Tinder Fungus
Fomes fomentarius
Family: PolyporaceaeNative: Northern Hemisphere (Europe, Asia, North America)Identified: Oct 22, 2025
Fomes fomentarius, commonly known as Tinder Fungus or Hoof Fungus, is a polypore fungus with a hard, woody, hoof-shaped fruiting body. Its upper surface is typically gray to brown, often with concentric zones, and the margin can be lighter. The pores on the underside are cream to brown. It grows on dead or weakened trees, particularly beech and birch.
Learn more about Tinder Fungus in the encyclopedia →Care instructions
This is a wild fungus that grows on decaying or dead hardwood trees. It cannot be cultivated easily in a typical garden setting. Its 'care' is dependent on the availability of suitable host trees and environmental conditions that promote fungal growth.