Sheep Polypore Albatrellus ovinus (Fr.) Murr. syn. Polyporus ovinus Fr. Fruit body annual. Cap 5-15cm across, usually single but sometimes several fused together, circular to irregular when fused, convex then depressed, dish-shaped; white to pale buff, tan; dry, smooth, or a little scaly with age. Tubes 1-2mm deep, decurrent; white. Pores 2-4 per mm, angular; white to yellowish. Stem 20-75 x 10-30mm, slightly swollen, pointed at base, usually central; white bruising pinkish; smooth. Flesh 5-20mm thick, firm; white, dries yellowish. Odor pleasant, fungusy, aromatic. Taste mild, sometimes slightly bitter (see Comment). Spores subglobose-ellipsoid, 3-4.5 x 3-3.5µ. Deposit white. Hyphal structure monomitic. Habitat on the ground by conifers, especially at high elevations. Found in Europe especially Finland (where it is considered a fine edible,)and throughout North America. Season August to winter. Edible. Comment Similar are Albatrellus confluens (Fr.) Kotlaba & Pouz., which is darker, orange-hued, with a bitter flavor, and Albatrellus subrubescens (Murr.) Pouz., which bruises orange.