Types of Reishi Mushrooms: 6 Colors & Key Differences

If you're researching the types of reishi mushrooms, you've probably come across names like red reishi, black reishi, and purple reishi.

Traditionally, reishi mushrooms are grouped into six colors: red, black, purple, yellow, blue or green, and white.

However, these colors don't represent six scientifically confirmed mushroom species.

📖 Table of Contents

1. What Are Reishi Mushrooms?
2. What Are the Different Types of Reishi Mushrooms?
3. Reishi Mushroom Types: Quick Comparison
4. Are All Reishi Mushrooms the Same Species?
5. How Can You Identify Reishi Mushrooms?
6. How to Choose Reishi Mushroom Products
7. Frequently Asked Questions
8. How Many Types of Reishi Mushrooms Are There?
9. Are the Six Colors of Reishi Six Different Species?
10. Is Red Reishi Different From Regular Reishi?
11. Are Black Reishi and Purple Reishi the Same?
12. Are All Reishi Mushrooms Red?
13. What Is the Difference Between Ganoderma lucidum and Ganoderma lingzhi?
14. How Can You Tell Whether a Reishi Mushroom Is Genuine?
15. Final Thoughts

The names come from historical Chinese traditions, while modern science classifies mushrooms using their physical characteristics and genetic relationships.

In this guide, we'll explain the six traditional reishi types, their commonly associated species, and the differences worth knowing.

What are Reishi Mushrooms?

Reishi mushrooms are woody fungi commonly associated with the Ganoderma genus. They're also known as lingzhi in Chinese traditions.

These mushrooms typically grow on trees, stumps, roots, and decaying wood.

Many recognizable reishi mushrooms have a shelf-like shape, a firm texture, and a reddish-brown or glossy surface.

However, their appearance varies depending on the species and growing conditions.

You may have seen the scientific name Ganoderma lucidum on reishi supplement labels. Historically, this name was applied broadly to several related mushrooms.

Modern scientific research distinguishes different species, including Ganoderma lingzhi, which is associated with East Asian lingzhi cultivation.

This explains why mushrooms marketed as reishi may have different appearances and scientific names.

If you're interested in comparing reishi with another well-known fungus, our guide to Chaga vs. Reishi mushrooms explains their differences in appearance, characteristics, and common product formats.

What are the Different Types of Reishi Mushrooms?

Traditional Chinese descriptions identify six reishi color categories.

Each has a historical name, but not every category corresponds to a specific modern Ganoderma species.

Let's look at the six traditional types of reishi mushrooms and what distinguishes them.

1. Red Reishi Mushroom

Red reishi is one of the most widely recognized reishi varieties.

It's commonly associated with Ganoderma lingzhi and other closely related Ganoderma species.

Red reishi typically has a reddish-brown cap with a smooth, glossy surface.

Its appearance may include:

• A reddish-brown or chestnut-colored cap
• A shiny, lacquered surface
• Pale or yellowish growing edges
• A firm, woody texture
• A fan-shaped or kidney-shaped fruiting body

Red reishi mushrooms grow on wood and are cultivated commercially, particularly in parts of Asia.

They're commonly used in mushroom powders, extracts, capsules, and other supplement formats.

Although their reddish appearance makes them recognizable, several related species share similar physical characteristics.

Key difference: Red reishi is strongly associated with the familiar glossy, reddish-brown Ganoderma mushrooms commonly used in commercial products.

2. Black Reishi Mushroom

Black reishi is a traditional name associated with dark-colored mushrooms.

Unlike some commonly recognized Ganoderma species, black reishi doesn't have one universally accepted scientific identity.

Its appearance may range from dark brown to nearly black, depending on the fungus being described.

Some traditional interpretations overlap with descriptions of Ganoderma sinense, a species more commonly associated with purple reishi.

This overlap occurs because traditional color names don't always correspond to a mushroom's exact physical appearance.

A dark mushroom isn't automatically black reishi, and two mushrooms with similar colors may belong to different species.

Key difference: Black reishi is a historical color category rather than a standardized scientific species name.

3. Purple Reishi Mushroom

Purple reishi is traditionally known as zizhi and is commonly associated with Ganoderma sinense.

Despite its name, this mushroom doesn't necessarily have a bright purple cap.

Its fruiting body may appear dark brown, reddish-brown, or almost black.

Commonly described characteristics include:

• A dark-colored fruiting body
• A firm, woody structure
• A shelf-like or fan-shaped appearance
• Growth on woody material

Because of its dark appearance, purple reishi is sometimes confused with mushrooms described as black reishi.

However, the two traditional names don't automatically indicate separate species.

Key difference: Purple reishi has a more established association with Ganoderma sinense, even though the mushroom may appear brown or black rather than purple.

4. Yellow Reishi Mushroom

Yellow reishi is another traditional reishi color category.

However, it doesn't have one universally accepted modern scientific identity.

In North America, a mushroom called Ganoderma curtisii is sometimes referred to as golden reishi.

This species can develop yellow, orange, and reddish-brown coloration.

Its appearance may include a glossy cap with golden-yellow tones, particularly around the growing margins.

Ganoderma curtisii occurs in parts of North America and is associated with hardwood trees and their roots.

However, golden reishi and the historical yellow reishi category shouldn't automatically be treated as identical.

Their similar names don't establish that they're the same mushroom.

Key difference: Yellow reishi is a traditional category, while golden reishi is a common name sometimes applied to Ganoderma curtisii.

5. Blue or Green Reishi Mushroom

Blue or green reishi appears in historical descriptions of the six reishi colors.

Unlike red reishi, this category doesn't have one widely accepted modern Ganoderma species associated with it.

Some historical interpretations have connected blue-green reishi with fungi outside the Ganoderma genus.

One proposed comparison involves turkey tail, scientifically known as Trametes versicolor.

Turkey tail is a bracket fungus recognized for its colorful, concentric bands.

Depending on the specimen, these bands may include shades of brown, gray, blue, green, and white.

However, turkey tail belongs to the Trametes genus, not Ganoderma.

The proposed historical connection shouldn't be treated as proof that turkey tail and blue-green reishi are the same mushroom.

If you're curious about how these fungi differ in appearance, our turkey tail mushroom identification guide explains its colorful bands, cap structure, and other distinguishing features.

Key difference: Blue-green reishi is a historical classification without a single established modern scientific identity.

6. White Reishi Mushroom

White reishi is the final category in the traditional six-color classification.

Like blue-green reishi, its exact modern scientific identity remains uncertain.

Some historical interpretations have proposed connections between white reishi and agarikon, a fungus scientifically known as Laricifomes officinalis.

Agarikon is a woody bracket fungus associated with certain conifer trees.

Its fruiting body can have a pale, whitish appearance and a hard texture.

However, agarikon belongs to a different genus from commonly recognized reishi mushrooms.

This proposed association doesn't establish agarikon as a scientifically recognized white reishi species.

Similarly, a pale or white mushroom shouldn't be identified as white reishi based on color alone.

Key difference: White reishi is a traditional category that has been interpreted in different ways, including proposed associations with fungi outside Ganoderma.

Reishi Mushroom Types: Quick Comparison

The following table summarizes the six traditional reishi colors and their commonly discussed scientific associations.

Important: These six colors represent traditional naming categories, not six scientifically confirmed species.

Are All Reishi Mushrooms the Same Species?

No. The term reishi is commonly used for several related mushrooms, particularly those belonging to the Ganoderma genus.

For example, Ganoderma lingzhi is associated with East Asian lingzhi cultivation, while Ganoderma curtisii occurs in North America.

Ganoderma sinense is another recognized species associated with traditional purple lingzhi.

Although these mushrooms may share woody textures, shelf-like shapes, and similar colors, they're not scientifically identical.

Another source of confusion is the name Ganoderma lucidum.

Historically, this scientific name was used for several reishi-associated mushrooms. Later taxonomic research showed that some of those fungi belong to distinct species.

As a result, the name printed on an older mushroom reference or supplement label may not always reflect the same classification used in current scientific research.

The takeaway is simple: Reishi is a common name, not the scientific name of one mushroom species.

How Can You Identify Reishi Mushrooms?

Identifying reishi mushrooms involves examining several physical features rather than relying on cap color alone.

Here are five characteristics worth understanding.

1. Cap Shape

Many reishi-associated mushrooms develop fan-shaped, kidney-shaped, or shelf-like fruiting bodies.

Some grow directly from wood without an obvious stem, while others develop a short or more noticeable stem.

2. Surface Appearance

Certain Ganoderma species have a glossy, lacquered surface.

Others may have a duller appearance.

Surface texture can help narrow down possibilities, but it isn't enough to confirm a species.

3. Underside Structure

Reishi-associated Ganoderma mushrooms generally have tiny pores underneath their fruiting bodies instead of gills.

These pores are openings through which spores are released.

The underside may appear pale when young and change as the mushroom develops.

4. Texture

Mature reishi mushrooms are usually firm, corky, or woody rather than soft and fleshy.

Their tough texture is one reason they're commonly processed into powders and extracts instead of being prepared like ordinary culinary mushrooms.

5. Growing Location

The type of wood a mushroom grows on can provide useful identification clues.

Different species may be associated with hardwoods, conifers, living trees, stumps, or decaying wood.

Geographic location and growing conditions can also help distinguish closely related fungi.

Safety note: Never consume a wild mushroom based only on photographs, color, or a general identification guide. Some fungi look similar, and accurate species identification may require microscopic examination or DNA analysis. Consult a qualified local mycologist before considering any wild mushroom for consumption.

How to Choose Reishi Mushroom Products

If you're comparing reishi mushroom products, the scientific name and ingredient details are more useful than the color mentioned in the product description.

Here are five things to check before choosing a product.

1. Scientific Name

Look for the scientific name of the mushroom listed on the product label.

Names such as Ganoderma lingzhi provide more specific identification than the general term reishi.

If a label only says reishi mushroom, consider checking the manufacturer's ingredient information for additional details.

2. Mushroom Material

Check whether the product contains the fruiting body, mycelium, or a combination of both.

The fruiting body is the visible mushroom structure, while mycelium is the network of fungal filaments that grows through its food source.

These materials aren't identical, so understanding which part is used can help you compare formulations.

3. Extract Information

Some reishi products contain mushroom extracts rather than whole mushroom powder.

Product descriptions may mention hot-water extraction, alcohol extraction, or an extract ratio such as 10:1.

These details describe aspects of processing, but an extract ratio alone doesn't establish the concentration of particular compounds or overall product quality.

Mushroom extracts are also available in different supplement formats. Our comparison of mushroom gummies vs. powders explains how the two formats differ in preparation, convenience, and serving flexibility.

4. Serving Information

Review the amount of mushroom material or extract listed per serving.

Different products may use different serving sizes and ingredient concentrations.

Comparing serving information helps you understand what each product actually contains.

5. Third-Party Testing

Look for available testing documentation that verifies product identity, relevant contaminants, and other stated specifications.

A certificate of analysis may provide additional information, depending on the tests performed.

Once you've reviewed these details, you can browse our reishi mushroom supplements to compare available product ingredients, formats, and serving information.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Types of Reishi Mushrooms Are There?

Traditional Chinese descriptions recognize six reishi color categories: red, black, purple, yellow, blue-green, and white. However, modern science recognizes many Ganoderma species, and the historical colors don't represent a complete scientific classification.

Are the Six Colors of Reishi Six Different Species?

No. The six traditional colors aren't equivalent to six distinct species. Some categories have commonly recognized scientific associations, while others refer to historical names without universally accepted modern identities.

Is Red Reishi Different From Regular Reishi?

Red reishi commonly refers to reddish-brown mushrooms associated with Ganoderma lingzhi and related species. Regular reishi is a broader common name that may describe several Ganoderma mushrooms.

Are Black Reishi and Purple Reishi the Same?

Not necessarily. Purple reishi is commonly associated with Ganoderma sinense, which can appear dark brown or nearly black. The traditional black reishi category has a less clearly established scientific identity, so the names shouldn't automatically be treated as interchangeable.

Are All Reishi Mushrooms Red?

No. Reishi-associated mushrooms can appear reddish-brown, orange, yellow, brown, or nearly black. Their appearance depends on the species, maturity, and growing conditions.

What Is the Difference Between Ganoderma lucidum and Ganoderma lingzhi?

Ganoderma lucidum and Ganoderma lingzhi are distinct scientific names. Historically, G. lucidum was applied broadly to several reishi-associated fungi. Modern taxonomic research has distinguished East Asian lingzhi from European G. lucidum, although naming and synonymy have also been subjects of scientific discussion.

How Can You Tell Whether a Reishi Mushroom Is Genuine?

Start with its scientific identity rather than its common name or color. Physical characteristics, host trees, growing location, and sometimes microscopic or genetic analysis help distinguish species. For packaged products, check the scientific name, ingredient information, and available testing documentation.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the types of reishi mushrooms starts with recognizing the difference between traditional color names and modern scientific classification.

Red reishi is among the most familiar commercial varieties, while purple reishi is commonly associated with Ganoderma sinense. Other traditional colors have less clearly established scientific identities.

Rather than relying on color alone, look at scientific names, physical characteristics, and product labeling to make informed comparisons.

At Purely Mushroom, we encourage you to check ingredient information, sourcing details, and testing documentation when comparing mushroom products.

If you're considering a reishi supplement, our reishi mushroom dosage guide explains serving information and how different product formats compare.