It is a plant pathogen that causes white rot in live trees, but most commonly appears on dead wood.

[6] Bjerkandera fumosa is similar; its flesh has a dark line near the base of the tubes.

[6] Because Bjerkandera adusta produces enzymes that can degrade polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, such as those used in synthetic textile dyes, there has been research interest in investigating the fungus for possible use in bioremediation.

[7][8] The research on these lignin-degrading enzymes produced by Bjerkandera adusta, such as versatile peroxidase, has also shown in studies to be able to decolorize synthetic melanin.

This feature may allow Bjerkandera adusta to be utilized for melanin decolorization in future cosmetic applications.