Hardwood (syn. Angiosperm, broadleaf or deciduous) or Conifer (syn. Gymnosperm, evergreen, needled, coniferous) Host
Most of the wood decay fungi are specific to either hardwood or coniferous hosts. This is a major selection point for identification of wood decay fungi. The number of decay fungi on conifer hosts is significant less than hardwood or deciduous trees. A few of the decay fungi are reported to affect both host types but this is rare and typically for most decay fungi on living trees.
Conifer Host
This group includes the pines, spruces, larches, junipers, cedars dawn redwood, and other needled or evergreens hosts the decay fungus is fruiting on.
Hardwood or Deciduous Host
This group includes trees that are broad-leafed and annually lose their leaves in the fall of the year. A few exception of broadleaved trees that retain their leaves such as holly and live oaks are also in this group.
