This is a large and certainly a very attractive plant, being very often two to three feet across. When young and tender it is edible. Found growing on decayed stumps and roots, it is somewhat common in our state. I have found some quite large specimens about Chillicothe. It is easily distinguished by its pore surface turning black or dark-brown to the touch. When young and tender it makes a good stew, but it must be well cooked.
Polyporus squamosus. Fr.
The Scaly Polyporus.
Photo by C. G. Lloyd.
Figure 325.—Polyporus squamosus. Natural size.
Squamosus means abounding in scales. The pileus is from three to eighteen inches broad, fleshy, fan-shaped, expanded, flattened, somewhat ochraceous, variegated, with scattered, brown, adpressed scales.
The stem is eccentric and lateral, blunt, reticulated at apex, blackish at the base.
The pores are thin, variable; at first minute, then broad, angular and torn; pallid. Spores are white and elliptical, 14×6µ.