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white rot #869902

Asked May 24, 2024, 10:19 AM EDT

These mushrooms are growing on a very large cottonwood, is this type of mushroom an indication of white rot. Concerned about the stability of the tree due to near by targets. The crown is full with no tip die back-tree looks healthy.

Washington County Minnesota

Expert Response

Thank you for the question.

“White rot” is somewhat of a generic term referring to the type of wood that is undergoing decay in a tree. More specifically, when all wood components of a tree are affected due to fungal infection, it is termed “white rot”. The two major families of fungi that are causative agents are Basidiomycetes and Ascomycetes. See:


https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74109.html

https://forestpathology.org/general/wood-decay/

Specific mushroom identification is often difficult when only images are available. Microscopic examination is also needed. Having said that, my best guess for this specific mushroom (picture #3) is that it belongs to the family Ganodermataceae. Artist’s Conk (Ganoderma applanatum) has some visual similarity. It is a Basidiomycete so that would be consistent with its causing white rot. See:

http://www.minnesotaseasons.com/Fungi/Artists_Conk.html

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2018.01557/full

The extent of actual rotting within the tree is difficult to determine from your pictures. Your next best step is to have a licensed, professional arborist make an on-site inspection and assessment. See:

https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional

Good luck. Thanks for consulting us.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 26, 2024, 7:59 PM EDT

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