Neolentinus lepideus

Scientific name: Neolentinus lepideus (Fr.) Redhead
& Ginns
Derivation of name:  Lepide- means "scaly" in reference
to the numerous coarse brown scales on the cap.
Synonyms:   Lentinus lepideus (Fr.) Fr. 
Common name(s):  Train wrecker.
Phylum:   Basidiomycota
Order:   Polyporales
Family:   Polyporaceae
Occurrence on wood substrate:  Saprobic; solitary or
clustered on conifer logs and stumps, wood such as fence
posts and railroad ties, and occasionally hardwoods; May
through September.  
Dimensions: Caps 3-12 cm wide; stipes 2.5-15 cm long
and 1-2 cm thick.   
Cap: White to buff with brownish scales.        
Gills: Attached; white to yellowish; edges serrate; bruising
brownish.
Spore print: White.
Stipe: Dry; whitish; developing brown scales.
Veil: Partial veil as persistent membranous ring although it
may weather away in age.
Edibility: Edible.
Comments: Called the train wrecker due to its ability to
colonize chemically treated wood (i.e. railroad ties).

More information at MushroomExpert.com

Figure 1. Young specimens on wood.
Photo © Steve Nelsen.

Figure 2. Note the overall darker coloration of these
speciemns. Photo © Larry Grand.

Figure 3. Note the developing brown scales on the cap.
Photo © Steve Nelsen.

Figure 4. Lepideus means "scaly." Photo © Dianna Smith.

Figure 5. Note the serrate gill edges. Photo © Dianna Smith.

Figure 6. Another view of the ragged scales of this species.
Photo © John Plischke III.