Neolentinus lepideus (Lentinus lepideus) (Fr.) Redhed & Ginns
The “ Train Wrecker” can grow on railroad ties soaked in creosote. Neolentinus lepideus is a tough cream-colored cap and stem mushroom with zoned, brownish scales that are more concentrated toward the center of its depressed center. The off-center stem is similarly scaly. Gills are decurrent. It is saprotrophic and tends to favor dead conifers, especially pine, for its nutritional requirements. Usually too tough and tasteless to be considered a good edible. Should not be eaten if growing from creosote-soaked wood. It is in the Polyporaceae family of the Polyporales order.Neolentinus lepideus
