Veiled Oyster
A species that favors living or downed hardwoods, especially beech and oak, P. dryinus may sometimes be found on conifers and typically features solitary growth or growth in a small group unlike other oysters with a shelving and gregarious habit. It's color is white to grayish white, but it tends to yellow somewhat with age. The surface is finely fibrillose-scaly. A key feature to look for is the presence of a membranous veil forming a stalk annulus, visible here, which separates it from other oyster species. The convex caps may reach 15 cm with an in-rolled margin and the stems may reach 10cm. Stalks may be central or lateral. The gills are white and strongly decurrent. The odor is mild. The flesh is tougher than that of other oyster species, but is nevertheless quite edible and sought after by some.