Birch Polypore (Fomitopsis betulina)

Birch Polypore ( Fomitopsis betulina) is a common medicinal mushroom that grows on birch trees. It is especially common in northern hardwood and boreal forests. This mushroom can found all year round, but it grows fresh in the late summer and fall.

This mushroom isn't edible, but it can be used in teas and tinctures. Birch Polypore is anti viral, anti inflammatory and helps modulate the immune system similar to reishi. The mushroom can be simmered into a tea or extracted in alcohol.

Birch Polypore Multi Tool

The outer skin of birch polypore works well as a band aid and has anti-viral properties. It is also said to be a good strop for sharpening knifes and blades. Birch polypore was even found with the legendary Otzi the Iceman. So, it is a great mushroom to know in the northern forest!

Peeling the pore surface of Birch Polypore for a Band Aid

Birch Polypore Band Aid

Fresh Birch Polypore mushrooms in the late summer and fall can used as a makeshift bandaid. I cut the fresh pore surface on the bottom of the mushroom and carefully peel the top layer of the fungi. This layer is naturally adhesive and has anti bacterial properties. Simply, wrap the layer around the cut to prevent infection.

Birch Polypore and Tinder Fungus( Fomes fomentarius)

Birch Polypore will often stay on a tree for years after it forms. The fruiting bodies will rot and harden on the birch tree making it easy to tell which trees are inoculated with the mycelium.

Decaying Birch Polypore on a tree