Dead Man's Fingers

Habitat

This wood-decomposing species grows in small to large clusters or tufts on the stumps, logs, and roots of broad-leaved trees. It is particularly common on beech and is typically found at or near ground level.

Photos

Appearance

Fruit body

Irregularly club-shaped or cylindrical structure reaching 2 to 10 cm in height and 1 to 3 cm in width. The surface is roughened, finely wrinkled, or cracked, resembling a crust. Color starts powdery white or gray when young, maturing to black.

Stem

A short, stout, and cylindrical stalk that is sometimes velvety at the base and smoother toward the top. It is typically brownish-black and tapers into the main body.

Flesh

Tough and pure white, providing a sharp contrast to the dark exterior. A cross-section reveals black, spore-producing cavities embedded just beneath the surface crust.

Spore print

Dark brown to black.

Edibility

This species is considered inedible due to its very tough, wood-like flesh. It is similar in appearance to Xylaria longipes, which typically grows on maple or sycamore, and Xylaria cubensis, though the latter can be distinguished by significantly smaller spores.

Nutrient Source

This fungus obtains nutrients by breaking down dead woody plant material, and can also act as a weak parasite on stressed trees.

Common Names

Basque

kimo formanitz

Danish

Kølle-stødsvamp

Dutch

Houtknotszwam

English

Dead Man's Fingers

Finnish

nuijasarvisieni

French

Xylaire polymorphe, Doigt de Satan, Doigt du mort

German

Vielgestaltige Holzkeule

Norwegian Bokmål

bredt stubbehorn

Norwegian Nynorsk

breitt stubbehorn

Spanish

Xilaria polimorfa

Swedish

mångformig stubbsvamp, tjockhorn

Welsh

Bysedd y Meirw

Synonyms

• Cordyceps polymorpha
• Cordylia polymorpha
• Hypoxylon polymorphum
• Sphaeria digitata
• Sphaeria polymorpha
• Xylaria clavata
• Xylaria corrugata
• Xylaria rugosa
• Xylosphaera polymorpha
• Xylosphaeria polymorpha