Silver birch fungus - Ask Extension
Hello,My husband, an OSU grad, cut up a dead, felled Silver Birch tree for firewood. It has white fungus growing on it. Are these pieces safe to burn ...
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Silver birch fungus #719286
Asked August 31, 2020, 6:13 AM EDT
Hello,
My husband, an OSU grad, cut up a dead, felled Silver Birch tree for firewood. It has white fungus growing on it. Are these pieces safe to burn and will the fungus disappear if stored or will the affected pieces cause more of the pieces to grow the fungus?
My husband, an OSU grad, cut up a dead, felled Silver Birch tree for firewood. It has white fungus growing on it. Are these pieces safe to burn and will the fungus disappear if stored or will the affected pieces cause more of the pieces to grow the fungus?
County Outside United States
Expert Response
Thank you for your question. Without a photo of the fungus, we cannot tell whether its spores might be harmful when released, and prior to being incinerated, after which they are harmless. But the "fungus" may be a lichen, which wouldn't be an issue if burned. Not knowing your location, I don't know if you have them on your trees. Hope this is helpful.
Hi Again,
Thanks for your response. The tree felled was a Silver Birch and we would like to use the chopped pieces for an indoor wood heater. We live in Melbourne, Australia. Are you able to let us know if they are safe to burn please?
Thank you,
Lisa
Thanks for your response. The tree felled was a Silver Birch and we would like to use the chopped pieces for an indoor wood heater. We live in Melbourne, Australia. Are you able to let us know if they are safe to burn please?
Thank you,
Lisa
Thank you for more information, Lisa. The US EPA recommends not burning "rotted, diseased or moldy" wood: https://www.epa.gov/burnwise/best-wood-burning-practices#what
This is due to the release of fungal spores into the atmosphere, made especially concentrated indoors. Individuals with respiratory diseases such as asthma and pulmonary infections are particularly susceptible. Hope this is helpful.
Thank you for your response,
After viewing the photos can you please tell me if it appears to be lichen or a fungus and if so which kind please? My investigations led me to this article regarding the health benefits of Silver Birch fungus: https://www.faim.org/the-healing-powers-of-wild-chaga
Kind Regards,
Lisa
After viewing the photos can you please tell me if it appears to be lichen or a fungus and if so which kind please? My investigations led me to this article regarding the health benefits of Silver Birch fungus: https://www.faim.org/the-healing-powers-of-wild-chaga
Kind Regards,
Lisa
I believe it is a shelf mushroom, Lisa, not a lichen. This is outside of horticultural academia, so I am not permitted to identify mushroom species, nor to advise for or against health benefits (or toxicity). There are numerous mycological groups worldwide whom you can consult, including this one: https://www.australasianmycologicalsociety.com/
Good luck!
