The Beaver Lentinellus is a decomposer of dead wood that can be found in the summer and fall. It's an uncommon Lentinellus sp. and has a great deal of morphological variability, so it can be difficult to distinguish between the more common Lentinellus ursinus.

It is a gilled mushroom without a stem (sessile). The cap can be many colors: white to multi-toned tans, reds, and blacks. The gills are saw-toothed and white to yellowish. The spore print is white. The taste is bitter and menthol-like.

July 25th, 2023 Field Notes - Indian Cave State Park

• Growing scattered on rotting Bitternut Hickory log in low mixed oak/hickory woodland, near creek.
• Cap subtomentose with a lobed margin and fringed edges. Darker brown at base, becoming lighter towards the margin.
• Gills crowded, serrated, short gills frequent and discoloring darker brown.
• Flesh tough and spongy.
• Smell: faint, almost sweet.
• Taste: Bitter initially, turning into a cooling menthol sensation.
• Spore Print: white