Synonyms: Agaricus laevigatus, Fomes igniarius, Fomitiporia pereffusa, Fomitoporella betulina, Fuscoporella ludoviciana, Fuscoporia laevigata, Ochroporus laevigatus, Polyporus igniarius, Polyporus laevigatus, Poria laevigata, Poria ludoviciana, Poria pereffusa.
Common name: smooth bristle bracket.
Phellinus laevigatus is a perennial, cork-like fungus that grows on trees, particularly oak and elm. In East and Central Texas, it is commonly found on live oaks and other hardwoods, forming conks that are 2-10 cm in diameter, with a smooth to wrinkled surface, and a reddish-brown to dark brown color. The pore surface is yellowish to brown, and the flesh is tough and fibrous. It is a saprotrophic fungus, playing a role in decomposing wood and recycling nutrients in the ecosystem.
Smooth bristle bracket fungus (Phellinus laevigatus) on a stump on Kiwanis Nature Trail. College Station, Texas, November 17, 2017
Texture of smooth bristle bracket fungus (Phellinus laevigatus) on Kiwanis Nature Trail. College Station, Texas, November 17, 2017
Close up of smooth bristle bracket fungus (Phellinus laevigatus) on Kiwanis Nature Trail. College Station, Texas, November 17, 2017
Smooth bristle bracket mushroom (Phellinus laevigatus)(?) on a fallen oak near Pole Creek in Sam Houston National Forest, east from Richards. Texas, January 8, 2023
Close-up of smooth bristle bracket mushroom (Phellinus laevigatus)(?) on a fallen oak near Pole Creek in Sam Houston National Forest, east from Richards. Texas, January 8, 2023
Margin of polypore mushrooms Phellinus laevigatus(?) on a fallen oak near Pole Creek in Sam Houston National Forest, east from Richards. Texas, January 8, 2023
Pore surface of polypore mushrooms Phellinus laevigatus(?) on a fallen oak near Pole Creek in Sam Houston National Forest, east from Richards. Texas, January 8, 2023
Spores of resupinate polypore mushroom Phellinus laevigatus(?) collected a day before in Sam Houston National Forest. Texas, January 9, 2023Observations of Phellinus laevigatus in East and Central Texas reveal its growth on various substrates, including stumps and fallen oaks. On Kiwanis Nature Trail in College Station, the fungus was found growing on a stump, displaying a smooth texture and bracket-like shape. In Sam Houston National Forest, it was observed on a fallen oak near Pole Creek, with close-up views showing its margin, pore surface, and spores. The fungus appears to thrive in these environments, with observations recorded in both November and January, suggesting a potential year-round presence. The texture and morphology of the fungus were consistent across observations, with a smooth appearance and distinct pore structure. Spore collection and examination also provided further insight into the species' characteristics. Overall, Phellinus laevigatus appears to be a common and widespread species in East and Central Texas.
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