A large, fleshy polypore comprised of multiple, overlapping layers of caps that are 2 to 10 cm in diameter. The caps are attached to branching stems proliferating from a common base with white spores coming from white pores on the underside of the cap. There are several strains ranging in color from dark grey brown to tan yellow. The color tends to lighten as the mushrooms mature. This species is delicious and much sought after for both its culinary characteristics and its strong medicinal qualities. Medicinally active components are found in the fruit bodies and also the mycelium of this species. Dried and powdered mycelia has a pleasantly sweet taste.