Xylaria polymorpha on living beech trees

[ACUF]

Hi Everyone,

 

Inspecting a large American Beech with three stems, a lean towards the house, and the discovery of what appears to be Xylaria polymorpha at the base, quite extensive. Apparently common on dead Beech, and this one is a bit chlorotic, and has had many environmental stresses, including droughts, etc.

 

Or is this Hypoxylon canker?

 

Any ideas?

 

Thank you,

 

ACUF

Edited September 3, 2009 by ACUF

[David Humphries]

Looks a lot like the mature form of Kretzmaria (Ustulina) deusta to me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[ScottF]

me too

[ACUF]

I agree, the morphology is more indicative of Kretzmaria (Ustulina) deusta. I haven't encountered in inspections until this Beech, which will subsequently be slated for removal. I saw the first spot, and it is very hard to notice at a glance, then the other areas are even more pronounced / advanced.

 

I was called out to help manage an overgrown site, cable a beech, and remove some dead conifers. The homeowner even contacted another firm in the area for a cable quote, and the fungus went completely unnoticed to them. So this poor guy would have dropped a cable system into his tree, then in the next wind storm, the whole tree would get thrown onto the house.

 

Thank you for the speedy feedback. This experience urges me to delve into fungi identification much more deeply. This site and its members are an invaluable resource to our industry.

 

Sincerely,

 

ACUF

[gmanntpo]

I agree! Ustulina...

[gmanntpo]

... also, have seen it on Beech many times, and Hornbeam..