The world of foraging offers many rewards, but it demands careful attention to detail. One of the most common identification challenges for new foragers is distinguishing between the true turkey tail mushroom (Trametes versicolor) and its inedible lookalike, the false turkey tail (Stereum ostrea). This guide will provide the definitive answer to the question, "Can you eat false turkey tails?" and give you the tools to confidently identify both.
The Inedible Nature of False Turkey Tail
False turkey tail (Stereum ostrea) is a non-toxic fungus, meaning that accidentally ingesting it will not poison you. However, it is explicitly classified as inedible for a very good reason: its texture. Described as tough, woody, and leathery, it is simply unpleasant to chew or swallow. Unlike the true turkey tail, which is dried and used for medicinal purposes, the false version offers no significant culinary or health benefits. Its lack of flavor and nutritional value means there is no compelling reason to harvest or consume it.
Key Differences: True vs. False Turkey Tail
When identifying these two similar-looking fungi, the most reliable characteristic to check is the underside of the mushroom's cap. The "Totally True Turkey Tail Test" involves a six-step process, but the underside is the most critical component for a definitive identification.
The Underside Tells All
- True Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor): As a polypore fungus, the true turkey tail has a white to yellowish underside covered in tiny, visible pores. It typically has 3-8 pores per millimeter, making them appear finely textured, though a magnifying glass may be needed to see individual pores clearly.
- False Turkey Tail (Stereum ostrea): This crust fungus has a completely smooth, pore-less underside. Its surface may be beige, gray, or brown and sometimes appears slightly wrinkled or veined but never shows a porous structure.
Other Identification Clues
While the underside is the gold standard, other features can provide strong clues:
- Color: Both fungi display concentric color zones, but their palettes often differ. True turkey tail has a wide array of vibrant colors, including shades of blue, gray, green, red, and brown, with a prominent white margin. False turkey tail's colors tend to be duller, with more emphasis on red, orange, and brown, and less distinct zonation.
- Texture of the Topside: The cap of a true turkey tail has a velvety or fuzzy texture due to fine hairs. The false turkey tail can be hairy when young but often becomes smoother and more parchment-like with age.
- Shape: False turkey tail often grows in a more upright, shell-like shape with an upward curve at the edges, whereas the true turkey tail is typically flatter with wavy edges.
- Algae Growth: False turkey tail is more prone to developing a green layer of algae on its cap, which is less common in the true turkey tail.
True vs. False Turkey Tail: A Comparison
| Feature | True Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor) | False Turkey Tail (Stereum ostrea) |
|---|---|---|
| Underside | White with tiny, visible pores (3-8 per mm) | Smooth, pore-less surface (beige, gray, or brown) |
| Color Zones | Wide variety of distinct, vibrant colors (including blue, gray, purple) | Dull, less distinct zones, primarily reds, oranges, and browns |
| Top Texture | Velvety or fuzzy, with fine hairs | Can be hairy when young, becomes smoother with age |
| Shape | Flatter, bracket-like shape with wavy edges | More shell-like with a slight upward curve at the edges |
| Edibility | Inedible raw due to toughness; prepared as tea/extract for medicinal use | Inedible due to extremely tough, woody texture; lacks medicinal properties |
| Growth Pattern | Grows in dense, overlapping tiers | Often grows in less-fused, individual shelf-like clusters |
Final Thoughts: Foraging with Confidence
Foragers should never rely on just one identifying characteristic, but the smooth, pore-less underside of the false turkey tail is the most reliable red flag. Because none of the turkey tail lookalikes are poisonous, a mistake won't be dangerous, but it will mean you've missed out on the true mushroom's benefits. Always exercise caution and when in doubt, do not consume. Proper identification ensures you harvest the correct fungus for your needs and leave the tough, woody imitators behind. A great resource for learning about different mushroom species is the Missouri Department of Conservation's field guide to fungi, which provides detailed descriptions and visuals for identification.
Conclusion: The Key to Safe Foraging
In summary, while you can't eat false turkey tails, making a mistake and picking one is not a health risk. The worst outcome is finding a tough, inedible mushroom rather than the medicinal treasure you sought. By focusing on the smooth underside of Stereum ostrea versus the porous underside of Trametes versicolor, you can avoid confusion and ensure a successful foraging trip. For medicinal use, true turkey tails should be prepared as a tea or extract, not eaten raw. Happy and safe foraging!
Additional Resources
For more in-depth information on mushroom identification, check out resources like the field guides from your local or state conservation department.
Author's Note: This article is for informational purposes only. When foraging for wild mushrooms, always consult with an experienced mycologist or reliable field guide to confirm your identification. Never consume a wild mushroom if you are not 100% certain of its identity.
