Elder Whitewash - Hyphodontia sambuci

Alternative names
Lyomyces sambuci
Description

Hyphodontia sambuci is a chalky white or greyish fungal pathogen found on the dead wood of branches that are still attached to the tree.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

It is found on several deciduous species, but is particularly associated with Elder.

When to see it

All year round.

Life History

Usually associated with Elder.

UK Status

Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.

VC55 Status

Fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Species profile

Common names
Elder Whitewash
Species group:
Fungi
Kingdom:
Fungi
Order:
Hymenochaetales
Family:
Schizoporaceae
Records on NatureSpot:
84
First record:
17/11/2011 (Nicholls, David)
Last record:
22/02/2025 (Isabel Raval)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

The latest images and records displayed below include those awaiting verification checks so we cannot guarantee that every identification is correct. Once accepted, the record displays a green tick.

In the Latest Records section, click on the header to sort A-Z, and again to sort Z-A. Use the header boxes to filter the list.

Latest images

Latest records