Irregular, cushion-shaped stroma on the bark of Hazel.   Initially it is pale brownish but darkens to brown and then black with age.  The surface is without prominent bumps or pimples caused by perithecia and ostioles.  Young specimens may have powdery buff-coloured conidia - the asexual stage.

Similar woodwarts and barkspots occur on tree species

host

Photograph on habitat; note substrate and associated tree species

Almost always on dead wood of Hazel.

All year round.