fungus on lilac tree

[Vince G]

These fungus have appeared for the first time this year towards the top of the main trunk of our lilac tree. Any ideas what they are and if they cause damage or are a sign of disease?

Never had any particular problems with the tree in the 3 years we have been in the house and it bears lots of huge blooms every year in May/June.

[Mr Bones]

Difficult to see from the photo Vince, but it could be a member of the pleurotus family. P ostreatus is the oyster mushroom (others in the family cause stomach upsets so don't be tempted to eat it). Unfortunately it probably does mean the tree is going to die within a few years or sooner.

[Vince G]

My wife will be gutted, she absolutely loves that tree.