Chaga Mushroom Spores

The Chaga mushroom is irregularly formed and has the appearance of burnt charcoal. Generally found growing on birch trees, it has also been found on alder, beech, oak and poplar. In species other than birch, the fungus often appears as buried stem canker, instead of the charcoal-like mass found on birch trees. The chaga spores enter the tree through wounds, particularly poorly healed branch stubs. The chaga fungus will then continue to cause decay within the living tree for 10–80+ years.