No Poisonous Lookalikes, But Inedible Imposters Exist
Foraging for medicinal mushrooms is a rewarding hobby, and the good news is that no known poisonous lookalikes for true turkey tail (Trametes versicolor) exist. However, several common and inedible imposters could be mistaken for it. While ingesting these false varieties won't lead to poisoning, you won't reap the medicinal benefits associated with true turkey tail, and the experience will be unpleasantly woody. Identifying the genuine article requires a keen eye and attention to a few key details.
The “Totally True Turkey Tail Test”
To ensure you have found Trametes versicolor and not a lookalike, run through this simple checklist during your foraging session.
- Check the Underside: True turkey tail is a polypore, meaning it has tiny, visible pores on its underside. You may need a small hand lens to see them clearly, but they will be present. A fresh specimen's underside will be whitish. False turkey tail (Stereum ostrea) has a smooth, non-porous underside, while the violet-toothed polypore (Trichaptum biforme) has purple-tinged teeth.
- Examine the Topside Color: The cap of a real turkey tail has distinct, multicolored concentric zones or rings. These can range in shades of brown, gray, blue, green, and purple. Lookalikes may have less vibrant or more uniform colors.
- Assess the Texture: The surface of a true turkey tail is finely velvety or hairy. Run your finger over the cap; it should feel slightly fuzzy, not entirely smooth.
- Test the Flexibility: Fresh true turkey tail mushrooms are thin and flexible. They are leathery but can bend easily. If the specimen is rigid and thicker than a few millimeters, it is likely not the real deal.
- Observe the Growth: True turkey tail often grows in dense, overlapping, fan-shaped clusters or rosettes on dead deciduous wood.
- Look for Algae: The presence of a greenish hue on the cap often indicates algae growth, which is common on false turkey tail (Stereum ostrea) but not on Trametes versicolor.
Common Lookalikes and Their Differentiating Features
False Turkey Tail (Stereum ostrea)
This is the most common lookalike and can be found growing in similar environments on dead hardwood. Its topside often features concentric rings of color, though typically in redder or brown hues than true turkey tail. The key giveaway, however, is its completely smooth, non-porous underside, which can be yellowish or tan. Unlike true turkey tail, its growth may curve upward at the edges.
Violet-Toothed Polypore (Trichaptum biforme)
As its name suggests, the defining feature of this mushroom is its underside, which has tooth-like pores with a violet or lilac tint. The cap can be grayish with a distinct purple margin. It is generally smaller and softer than true turkey tail and is also inedible.
Gilled Polypore (Lenzites betulina)
From above, this fungus can look remarkably like turkey tail due to its concentric zones. However, a quick check of the underside reveals gill-like structures instead of pores. Its texture is also tough and leathery.
Hairy Bracket Fungus (Trametes hirsuta)
Another member of the same genus as turkey tail, this lookalike has a densely hairy, grayish-white cap and lacks the distinct color banding of T. versicolor.
Comparison Table: True Turkey Tail vs. Common Lookalikes
| Feature | True Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor) | False Turkey Tail (Stereum ostrea) | Violet-Toothed Polypore (Trichaptum biforme) | Gilled Polypore (Lenzites betulina) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Underside | White with tiny pores | Smooth, without pores | Toothed with a violet tint | Gills instead of pores |
| Cap Surface | Velvety or finely hairy | Smooth or slightly hairy | Typically soft and smaller | Densely hairy and tough |
| Color Zones | Multicolored and distinct | Often redder or more uniform | Grayish with a violet margin | Concentric but less distinct |
| Flexibility | Thin and flexible when fresh | Rigid, tough, and leathery | Softer and more gelatinous | Tough and leathery |
| Growth Pattern | Overlapping, flat clusters | Upward-curving, individual clusters | Fan-shaped clusters on conifers | Gilled underside, typically on hardwood |
The Risks of Misidentification
While none of the common lookalikes are known to be toxic, misidentifying a mushroom can carry other risks. Other, potentially poisonous, fungi might be mistaken for turkey tail by a beginner. Relying solely on a superficial resemblance can lead to adverse effects, even if it is not life-threatening. The primary disadvantage of a misidentification is the failure to gather the desired mushroom, which is sought after for its potential health benefits, and instead collecting an inedible piece of wood-like fungus.
For a thorough approach to identification, consider consulting local resources. Organizations like the Midwest American Mycological Information provide guides and resources for identifying local species.
Conclusion
In summary, the key takeaway for any aspiring turkey tail forager is that careful observation is essential, but you can rest assured knowing there are no known poisonous lookalikes. The most important step in the identification process is checking the underside of the mushroom for the characteristic tiny, whitish pores that signify a true turkey tail. With its velvety cap, multicolored zones, and flexible, leathery texture, true turkey tail stands out from its inedible but non-toxic imposters. By practicing this simple visual inspection, you can confidently and safely identify the correct mushroom and avoid the disappointment of harvesting a flavorless piece of fungus. Remember, when in doubt, it is always safest to leave a mushroom unpicked.
