Mushrooms That Grow in Tree Bark

Chaga

• The U.S.D.A. Forest Service describes the Chaga mushroom as "resembling charred wood or canker-like growth" on the branch stubs of birch trees. It also is found on beech, alder, elm and ironwood trees. The outer part of this mushroom is black to reddish-brown, while the inside of the brittle cap is yellow to rusty-brown. It is widespread throughout the forests of the northeastern United States.

Polyporous Squamosus

• This mushroom is found east of the Rocky Mountains and is recognized by its fan or funnel shape. Its size ranges from 2 to 12 inches wide by 1 1/2 inches thick. It is soft when young but toughens as it ages. While it does grow alone, it is more likely found in clusters of two or three during the spring, summer and fall, says Michael Kuo. The Polyporous Squamosus grows on both rotting wood and on the bark of healthy trees.

Artist's Conk

• Ranging in size from 2 inches to more than 2 feet wide, the Artist's Conk is a woody mushroom with a thick grayish-brown to brown cap. According to the U.S.D.A Forest Service, this mushroom gets its name from the fact that its surface can be drawn upon, and any marks made on it turn dark brown. This makes them appealing to artists who seal the mushrooms' surfaces with lacquer to preserve their work, adds the Forest Service. The Artist's Conk is most often found on maple trees as single specimens or in clusters.

Beefsteak Mushroom

• This mushroom grows from 3 to 10 inches wide and up to 1 1/2 inches thick. Also called the Beefsteak Fungus or Ox tongue, "The appearance of the flesh of the fungus is similar to that of a cut of tenderloin beef; the lateral growth from the side of a tree has the general shape and distension of an ox tongue," states the Hiker's Notebook. It is most often found on decaying oak trees, but also is seen as a parasite living off healthy trees.