Branching Oyster - Pleurotus cornucopiae
Cream or light ochre; covered in a fine white bloom when young, becoming smooth with age; convex, and 4 to 12 cm in diameter at maturity. This species is usually paler than other oyster mushrooms, and there are often several caps sharing a common stem. It is quite similar to the better-known Pleurotus ostreatus, but it is distinguished because its gills are very decurrent, forming a network on the stem.
Pleurotus ostreatus
Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed.
Saprobic, on rotting wood of deciduous broadleaf trees, particularly elms and Beech.
Summer and autumn.
Widespread and fairly frequent in the southern half of Britain.
Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.
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Species profile
- Common names
- Branching Oyster
- Species group:
- Fungi
- Kingdom:
- Fungi
- Order:
- Agaricales
- Family:
- Pleurotaceae
- Records on NatureSpot:
- 1
- First record:
- 06/11/2022 (Bell, Melinda)
- Last record:
- 06/11/2022 (Bell, Melinda)
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% of records within its species group
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