A Magical Mushroom
text and photos : Norma A. Hubbard (December 2021)
At this time of year, it is easy to think there is little happening in the forests as deciduous trees stand bare, their leaves cover the ground, and seeds and plants are resting, waiting for spring. However, there is always activity on some level, and it is easy to overlook little treasures of nature as we walk in our woods. One such treasure is the very striking turkey tail fungus (Trametes versicolor), named for its resemblance to a turkey’s tail, and it really does look like a very tiny turkey tail.
All mushrooms are fungi, but not all fungi are mushrooms … so what are fungi? The cell structure is different from most plants, in fact, fungi are closer in structure to animals than they are to plants. Originally fungi were classified as plants, yet unlike plants, fungi lack chlorophyll. Because of this, along with other structural differences, over time fungi was given its own classification that includes mushrooms, rust, mold, mildew, and yeasts. All this to say, turkey tail is a mushroom under the classification of fungi.
Turkey tail fungus is very common and is easy to identify. Versicolor means ‘of various colours’. Its tail-like cap comes in shades of brown, maroon, orange, and blue. The colours vary from dark to light to white on the rims. Turkey tail fungus is found in May to December, and it is usually growing on damaged or dead hardwood trees and stumps. Often a healthy-looking tree with fungus on it, was most likely already damaged in some way, which is why there is fungus on it now. Fungi needs wind to spread spores and moisture to grow. Some fungi can overwinter. Turkey tail fungus, as well as other fungi, are vital to a healthy ecosystem, we need them in our woods; they decompose organic material, which provides nutrients for the environment. Trametes produce a white rot, and as a result, the paper industry uses the white-rotting properties of fungi to help bleach wood for paper products.
During this pandemic, I have noticed many people trying and exploring new things, like foraging for mushrooms. I would never eat anything I foraged without an expert’s advice and I am not an expert. Turkey tail fungus is not poisonous, yet it doesn’t seem to be all that tasty either. Most mycologist or mycology groups agree that these fungi are pretty, makes a good tea, but are rather tough in texture for eating.
On the other hand, one of the most interesting things I found out about turkey tail fungus were the scientific studies in cancer research. Chinese have used fungi in traditional medicine for at least 2,000 years. Turkey tail fungus is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Currently, there is promising research showing when cancer patients were given extracts from Trametes versicolor, they had less recurrences and better survival rates. In addition, most cancer patients had a better quality of life during treatments. Studies also suggest turkey tail fungus may improve immune function in women undergoing radiation treatment for breast cancer. Not bad for a common species often overlooked in our own woods. Truly this is a magical mushroom.
As another year ends, with many of us snug in our homes, when you do venture out, take a moment to look for fungi before snow covers the woods. You might be surprised to realize how much fungi are out there, working quietly, giving back to the forest. Fungi is a wonderful gift from Mother Nature to all of us.
Sources: Habtemariam, Solomon. “Trametes versicolor (Synn. Coriolus versicolor) Polysaccharides in Cancer Therapy: Targets and Efficacy.” Biomedicines vol. 8,5 135. 25 May. 2020, doi:10.3390/biomedicines8050135; Tom Volk Fungi Page [online]