Species guide

Turkey tail

Harmless

Trametes versicolor

Turkey tail
Photo: Annette Herz · CC BY

What does Turkey tail look like?

Thin, leathery, fan-shaped brackets in concentric multicolored zones, growing in tiers on dead wood. Underneath is a fine white pore surface (not gills).

Is Turkey tail dangerous?

Not toxic, but woody and inedible as food; it's popular in herbal teas. It has lookalikes, so confirm before any use.

Commonly confused with

  • False turkey tail: smooth underside with no pores

What should I do about Turkey tail?

Confirm the ID with an expert before any medicinal use.

Never decide what's safe to eat or touch from a photo or a web page. Identification here is for learning and curiosity only. For anything you might eat, handle or that could harm you or a pet, consult a qualified local expert, and seek medical or veterinary care if exposure has happened.

Related species guides