White spongy trunk rot of hardwoods
Damage, symptoms and biology
The annual fruiting bodies consist of one or more overlapping caps. They lack stalks and are often hoof-shaped. The upper surface generally has a felt-like appearance; it is initially white, turning yellowish brown. The white underside turns yellow or light orange. It often grows on old trees where it is quickly replaced by other decay fungi, but it is found primarily on stumps and dead trees. It infects live poplars more easily.
Significant losses in wood strength occur in trees with advanced decay.
Decay occurs mainly as a trunk rot, rarely as a butt rot, in both living and dead trees. In living trees, decay is usually confined to the heartwood. Infection appears to occur through branch stubs or branch scars.
Canadian Forest Service Publications
Information on host(s)
Alders, basswood, beeches, oaks, poplars / aspens / cottonwoods
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