Turkey tail mushroom

Turkey tail mushroom is a common bracket fungus with the scientific name *Trametes versicolor* (formerly *Coriolus versicolor*).

Turkey tail mushroom (*Trametes versicolor*, formerly *Coriolus versicolor*) is a common bracket fungus that grows on dead or decaying wood. It is known for its thin, fan-shaped fruiting bodies with concentric bands of colour, resembling the tail feathers of a wild turkey. The species is widely studied and used in some traditional medicine systems and supplements, although many health claims remain insufficiently proven. In Canada, the mushroom grows in forests and is familiar to foragers, naturalists, and gardeners.

Taxonomy and naming

Turkey tail mushroom is commonly identified as *Trametes versicolor*, a polypore fungus in the order Polyporales. It was previously known as *Coriolus versicolor*. The common name derives from its multicoloured, fan-like appearance, which resembles the tail feathers of a wild turkey. The species belongs to a group of fungi known for their tough, woody fruiting bodies.

Description

The species forms thin, leathery brackets with concentric bands of brown, grey, blue, orange, cream, or white. The underside is porous rather than gilled, and the mushrooms often grow in overlapping clusters on wood. Like the Bolete Mushroom, turkey tail has a porous spore-bearing surface, but its brackets are much thinner and more fan-shaped.

Habitat and distribution

Turkey tail is saprotrophic, feeding on dead organic matter, especially rotting hardwoods. It is widely distributed across temperate regions worldwide, including Canada, where it is commonly found on logs, stumps, and fallen branches. In Canadian forests, it grows alongside other fungi such as the Puffball mushroom.

Traditional and medicinal use

The fungus has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine, where it is known as Yun Zhi, and in Japan as Kawaratake. In Japan, a purified extract containing polysaccharide-K (PSK) has been used as an adjunct in cancer treatment. Unlike the psychoactive Psilocybe cubensis, turkey tail is used primarily for its purported immune-modulating properties.

Scientific research

Turkey tail is among the more studied medicinal fungi, with research focusing on immune-related compounds and possible anticancer applications. However, authoritative sources note that evidence for many over-the-counter supplement claims remains limited or inconclusive. Studies on the Amanita muscaria have focused on different compounds, while turkey tail’s polysaccharides are the main subject of investigation.