Elder Whitewash - Xylodon sambuci

Alternative names
Lyomyces sambuci
Hyphodontia sambuci
Description

A chalky white or greyish resupinate corticoid, forming large irregular diffuse patches on dead wood that is still attached to the tree. 

Similar Species

Identification of these white resupinate fungi is extremely difficult, and involves microscopic examination; there are a lot of similar species.  It is usually assumed that the speces found on Elder is Elder Whitewash. 

Identification difficulty

host

Recording advice

Photograph in its habitat; ensure you identify the host and substrate, or that it is clearly identifiable from your photo.  If the host species is not clear; it must be verified by examination of a specimen by an expert before submission to NatureSpot.

Habitat

Dead, deciduous wood, typically associated with dead standing de-barked branches of Elder 

When to see it

All year round.

UK Status

Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.

VC55 Status

Fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Species profile

Common names
Elder Whitewash
Species group:
fungus
Kingdom:
Fungi
Order:
Hymenochaetales
Family:
Schizoporaceae
Records on NatureSpot:
82
First record:
17/11/2011 (Nicholls, David)
Last record:
05/03/2025 (Graves, Hazel)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

The latest images and records displayed below include those awaiting verification checks so we cannot guarantee that every identification is correct. Once accepted, the record displays a green tick.

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Latest images

Latest records