30 CIRCULAR 143, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 
in form, usually depressed, often scaly or velvety. The gills are 
slightly or deeply decurrent, unequal, thin with margin notched or 
serrate. In some species the stem is present and is central, excentric, 
or lateral; in other species it is absent. The plants are to be found 
on stumps or logs or rotting lumber. 
LENTINUS LEPIDEUS. SCALY LENTINUS 
(Fig. 29) 
In the scaly Lentinus the cap is at first convex, later becoming more or less 
flattened, tan to yellow with coarse, brown, irregular, concentric scales, often 
FIGURE 29.—Lentinus lepideus. (From F. E. Clements) 
areolate; gills are decurrent, sinuate, white; when young covered by a veil; 
stem is central or excentric, whitish, mostly scaly, short, thick, hard, equal, 
or tapering at the base. 
The cap is 2 to 4 inches broad; the stem is about 1 inch long. 
This is a common untidy-looking species, growing on old stumps and rail- 
road ties, in which it produces a serious decay. It is considered edible but is 
of doubtful flavor, and it soon becomes tough. 
LENTINUS LECOMTEI. HAIRY LENTINUS 
In this species the cap is funnel-shaped, regular or irregular with inrolled 
margin, tawny or reddish brown, teugh, villose-velvety; the gills are pallid, 
narrow, and crowded, decurrent, the edges nearly entire; the stem is central, 
excentric, or lateral, hairy when young. 
The cap is 1144 to 8% inches broad; the stem is usually short. 
This is a very common and widely distributed species. It is to be found 
in clumps on old stumps, logs, and dead branches from spring to autumn, 
although it persists throughout the winter. 
