Tag: Stereum ostrea

False turkey tail mushrooms are one of the most commonly encountered fungi in woodlands, but most foragers quickly learn to avoid them for culinary purposes. So, is false turkey tail edible to eat? The simple truth is that while non-toxic, its tough and leathery texture makes it unpalatable and inedible.

While the true turkey tail mushroom is a famous medicinal fungi, its lookalike, the false turkey tail (*Stereum ostrea*), is completely inedible due to its tough, leathery texture. A common question among foragers is, "Can you eat false turkey tails?" and the simple answer is no, but identifying the differences is a crucial skill.

The true turkey tail mushroom (_Trametes versicolor_) is one of the most common and widely distributed fungi in the world, appearing on dead wood across all continents except Antarctica. Foragers frequently wonder: **Does turkey tail have any toxic look alikes?**