Wild Mushrooms of the Forest

Mahicans Diamond helped us to identify this specimen seen just beside the trail.

The common name is Hemlock Varnish Shelf (Latin name: GANODERMA, tsugae). It is a very close look-alike to the Lucid Bracket  (common name) (Latin name: GANODERMA, resinaceum). They are distinguished by the dead trunks they grow on (one on deciduous trees, the other on Hemlock) as well as by the length of their foot/stem. Hemlock Varnish Shelf has a longer stem, Lucid Bracket has practically no stem.

I believe that the Lucid Bracket is commonly known as Reishi and known for it’s medicinal properties (antitumor, immune-enhancing, cholesterol reducing, longevity, etc.). It is consumed as a tea as it is very tough.

I think the Varnish Shelf is commonly mistaken as Reishi, and we have a lot of it in Eastern Townships Hemlock forests.

Enjoy our trails and nature with your eyes, the memories you will take home with you will be in your camera.  We remind you that you must stay on the trails and that you may not pick mushrooms, flowers or any other plants on Conservation Trust property.  This is a protected area and we count on you to respect it. 

Enjoy our trails and nature with your eyes, the memories you will take home with you will be in your camera.  We remind you that you must stay on the trails and that you may not pick mushrooms, flowers or any other plants on Conservation Trust property.  This is a protected area and we count on you to respect it. 

Warning/Danger :
Never consume a mushroom unless you are certain of its identity and edibility and are aware of any potential reactions it may cause.