Source-reviewed species profile
Black-staining polypore Meripilus sumstinei
Many broad grey-brown fans from a common base; white pores blacken rapidly when bruised. This profile covers broad field features, season and habitat for learning.
Where can I find black-staining polypore?
In large rosettes at the base of living or dead hardwoods, especially oak and beech.
In Mycoverse you can select Black-staining polypore and compare candidate search areas using a species-specific assessment of rainfall, estimated soil moisture, temperature, forest type, tree signals, canopy cover, terrain and season. Where source coverage is available, the assessment also uses historical species observations. Historical observations are historical data, not recent finds.
Images, text and app suggestions cannot confirm a species or food safety.
Field features
- Many broad grey-brown fans from a common base; white pores blacken rapidly when bruised.
Habitat and search guidance
In large rosettes at the base of living or dead hardwoods, especially oak and beech.
Months
June–November
Safety status
Not presented as food. Never use the app to decide whether a mushroom is safe to eat. Not presented as a food mushroom. This profile supports learning and safer boundaries; it does not approve a finding.
Sources and review status
- MushroomExpert.Com – species account
- USDA Forest Service – North American Fungi Protochecklist
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy
Last reviewed: 4 October 2026.