Knowledgebase

Brittle Cinder Fungus? #923457

Asked January 09, 2026, 9:12 AM EST

Can you confirm Brittle Cinder Fungus on this very old and large oak tree from these photos?

Montgomery County Maryland

Expert Response

We aren't able to ID the fungus from the photos, but suggest you have a certified arborist assess the tree if wood decay is present or suspected. As you likely already learned, Brittle Cinder Fungus cannot be treated (nor can any type of wood decay), but some decay fungi cause more rapid damage than others. When wood decay fungi are present, often the damage to the wood is more extensive than it looks compared to how much fungal growth is visible externally.

Miri
Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied January 12, 2026, 9:55 AM EST

Loading ...