Fungus on firewood

Sam76

I cut down this willow to season and then use as firewood. It has a mould/fungus on it. Is if still ok to stack and dry, or could it spread to other logs? Thanks

pansyface

No idea what the name of this particular fungus is, but fungus only grows when the conditions are right. Such conditions usually involve dampness. So keep your firewood dry and you should be OK.

Another name for willow is, of course, withy.  And here is an ancient song explaining the reason why willow, or withy, is prone to “perish at the heart”. Believe it or not, as you choose. 😊

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=u55nV43hXkQ

Hexagon

Could it be a lichen?

Sam76

Dont think its lichen. More of a damp mold. Only on the willow logs

Hexagon

I thought it looked a bit like a crusty lichen. Imaged sourced from https://www.opalexplorenature.org/sites/default/files/7/image/AIR 4pp chart.pdf

Hostafan1

I've had similar on ash and alder, it dries out and burns a treat.

Ante30

Just keep wood in dry, airy and cold space and if it's fungus, it will not grow and spread on other wood.

Sam76

Thanks all