Help I.D. Ohio Mushroom just found in the forest

Hey Permies,

Just found this mushroom today and wanted to post because it looked possible edible or medicinal.

Anyone know?  I would guess it's an oyster varieties?

Would appreciate info to help further research.   We are in Ohio.

Also just posted it on Instagram @permaculture_life and got too suggestions I looked up.  Still not sure though.

Ischnoderma resinosum

Artist's Conk Ganoderma applanatum

First off, it is definitely not an oyster species.  
Second, it does look to be in the family of Ischnoderma or Ganoderma most likely.

To be sure you will need to collect a specimen for testing.

When mushrooms of this type are determined to be safe, they are usually made into a tea, like Rishi and turkey tail mushrooms, they tend to be rather woody.

Thanks Bryant!  Do you recommend a testing center for any future mushroom identification?

I always try to use the local College, most will have a professor with the right knowledge in the biology or horticulture departments  and if there isn't one, one of the professors will most likely know of a local expert.

That looks exactly like Ganoderma applanatum- the Artist's Conk or Ancient Ling Chih. I have been harvesting and making a tea from these mushrooms for over 20 years. I have a field test- if the pore layer on the underside is white, scratch it with your fingernail. If it stains dark brown and you can inscribe your initials in it, then you almost certainly have a Ganoderma. The spores should be a brown color, but be careful not to breathe them, because some folks are allergic to the spores. I always dry mine outdoors in the sun, away from the house. The tea has many medicinal properties.

Of course, it's always a good idea for beginners to reconfirm their finds with a local expert before ingesting them, rather than relying solely on internet photos and unknown people.

Thanks M.K.

I agree and appreciate the information.  

I will do the field test and further research on my part.  I might save some and have an expert test it later after acquiring multiple specimens.  

Hope they can test dried mushrooms which I will research as well.