Daedaleopsis confragosa – Thin-walled maze polypore

It can be found growing singularly or in groups on dead and dying hardwoods, particularly willows and birch. It fruits June-December but can persist on wood year-round.

Thin-walled maze polypore, also known as the blushing bracket, can be identified by its reddish brown, fan-shaped cap. The white-brown pores are in a maze-like design. The pores often bruise pinkish.

The polypore is inedible due to its tough texture, but can be used as a natural dye. It also has compounds that have been shown to have anti-cancer and immunomodulatory properties.

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Written by Amy Demers, founder of the Connecticut Foraging Club. To learn more about foraging in Connecticut, check out our upcoming classes.