The question of whether the False Turkey Tail is poisonous stems from its close resemblance to the highly valued medicinal mushroom, the True Turkey Tail. The True Turkey Tail, Trametes versicolor, is a bracket fungus recognized globally for its distinctive multicolored, fan-shaped body. Its look-alike, the False Turkey Tail (Stereum ostrea), shares the same general shape and concentric color banding, leading to frequent confusion among foragers. While the true mushroom is sought after for its health properties, S. ostrea is classified as non-toxic, meaning it will not cause severe poisoning, but it is not considered a culinary edible.
The Safety Profile of False Turkey Tail (Stereum ostrea)
The False Turkey Tail is widely considered harmless, though it is not recommended for consumption. It is categorized as inedible due to its physical characteristics rather than any inherent toxicity. The mushroom possesses a tough, leathery texture that remains woody even after cooking, making it extremely difficult to chew or digest.
There are no confirmed reports in scientific literature of severe poisoning or significant adverse reactions from accidentally consuming Stereum ostrea. Ingestion is unlikely to cause serious harm, but its fibrous nature can lead to mild, temporary gastrointestinal distress in sensitive individuals. The primary risk of collecting the False Turkey Tail is the missed opportunity to harvest the beneficial Trametes versicolor.
While the mushroom itself is inedible, extracts from Stereum ostrea have been studied for potential bioactive compounds. Preliminary analyses suggest the presence of compounds like sterostreins, demonstrating antibacterial and antifungal activity against certain microbes. This research indicates the fungus has chemical properties, but does not change its classification as an inedible species due to its texture.
Key Distinctions Between True and False Turkey Tail
Differentiating between the True and False Turkey Tail is essential for safe foraging, and the most reliable distinction lies in the underside of the mushroom cap. Trametes versicolor is a polypore fungus, meaning its underside is covered in numerous tiny pores. These pores are typically white or cream-colored and are usually visible, though a hand lens may be needed to see them clearly.
In contrast, the False Turkey Tail (Stereum ostrea) is a crust fungus, and its underside is completely smooth. Instead of pores, this surface may be slightly wrinkled, faintly zoned, or possess a grayish to reddish-brown coloration. This smooth surface is the most important identification feature to check when examining a specimen.
Beyond the underside, other characteristics help distinguish the two species. The True Turkey Tail is often thinner and more flexible, while the False Turkey Tail tends to be thicker and more rigid, feeling much like tough leather. The concentric color zones on the true mushroom often appear more vibrant and distinct, sometimes containing shades of blue or green due to algae. The False Turkey Tail’s coloration is typically dominated by shades of orange, brown, and yellowish hues.
The Value of True Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor)
The True Turkey Tail is sought globally because it is classified as a medicinal mushroom with a long history of use in traditional medicine systems. It is valued for its potent bioactive compounds, which are often extracted for use in supplements. The primary active ingredients are two types of protein-bound polysaccharides: Polysaccharide K (PSK) and Polysaccharide Peptide (PSP).
These compounds are recognized for their immunomodulatory properties, meaning they can interact with and support the body’s immune system. PSK and PSP have been the subject of extensive research, particularly in Asian countries where they are used as an adjuvant therapy in conjunction with conventional cancer treatments. PSK is approved as a pharmaceutical-grade medicine in Japan, where it has been used for decades to manage various cancers, including gastric and colorectal cancer.
Research suggests that these extracts, when taken orally, can enhance immune function, improve quality of life, and potentially increase survival in some patient populations. The polysaccharides are believed to activate various immune cells and enhance cytokine production, which contributes to a stronger immune response. Furthermore, PSP has been studied for its prebiotic effects, supporting a healthy gut microbiome interconnected with overall immune health.