Bleeding Conifer Crust - Stereum sanguinolentum

An annual crust, leathery in texture, resupinate and associated with conifers.  The fertile surface is smooth and dull grey-brown, and stains red when bruised.  

This is the only red-staining leathery corticoid on conifers.  Stereum rugosum is similar, but usually greyish or pale brown and on oak and other deciduous trees. Stereum gausapatum is similar, but associated with oak. 

red stain/host

Photograph fertile surface and any staining when bruised, note host plant and substrate.  

Conifer wood, typically spruce, pine, for and larch. 

Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.

Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.