Turkey Tail

Many-zoned Polypore has a detached, scientific ring that is not pitched to endear it to a budding mycologist. Turkey Tail, however is a relatable and descriptive name for this pretty fungus and has succeeded as the accepted name. It is common in the UK, across Europe and as far as North America. It was the Americans that popularised the name.

Its scientific name is Trametes versicolor (meaning thin and colourful).It can be seen on stumps and fallen hardwood branches and these examples were found on logs that have been placed along the edges of the paths in Bicknor Wood. Many colour variations occur across its range and even local specimens can differ noticeably.

Turkey Tail is an annual fungus which dies back and regrows each year.