What's this polypore?

[Staveshaver]

Last year I got to this tree too late and found what I thought was an old, rotting Sheepshead. This time, today, I got there earlier, but I don't think they're sheepshead. I thought maybe Berkley's, but they're not very big. Any ideas?

 

There were 5 of them around this red oak tree. Standing over them, I could smell that funky fungal odor that rotting sheepshead give off, but thought it was due to the two smaller, brown-ish ones which were obviously rotting. The white ones seemed fine/fresh, their pedals larger and slightly thicker and more brittle than that of a good sheepshead. Sorry I don't have better pics.

[Dave W]

I think these may be Black-staining Polypore, Meripilus sumstinei. The fronds are large and these look like they've been in this spot for awhile. Meripilus sumstinei occurs throughout the summer into the fall. If you cut off a frond of M. sumstinei and rub it, it will slowly darken. Grifola frondosa --Sheepshead-- does not start to fruit until the latter part of August. 

[Staveshaver]

Thanks again Dave. If I get back in there soon enough, I give them a stain test.

[Dave W]

These look to be kinda on the old/dried side. The dark staining may not set in like with fresh material. 

 

[Staveshaver]

Ok, thanks. I gotcha.