WildBristol.uk - Discovering Wildlife in Bristol

Widespread and fairly frequent throughout the UK but mainly in the South. Habitat includes: On diseased, dying and dead trees in places such as woodland, parks, churchyards etc. I've seen it growing on Wild Cherry, but it also uses Beech, Poplars, Alder, Apple, Elms, Horse Chestnut, Maples, Oaks, Walnut, Willows, Spruce. Up to 15 cm across. Seen all year round. Other names include: Artist's Bracket, Artist's Conk, Bear Bread. Named Artist's Fungus because it provides a medium for artists to draw on. When the fresh white pore surface is scratched, dark brown tissue under the pores is revealed, resulting in visible lines and shading that become permanent once the fungus is dried (a form of etching).