Mushrooms

Hen of the woods

Grifola frondosa

Also called: maitake

Gray-brown ruffled cluster at the base of oaks in fall.

Hen of the woods: Whole plant — Whole plantPhoto: Matt Berger · CC BY · source

Hen of the woods: Habitat — HabitatPhoto: Drew Palmer · CC BY · source

Hen of the woods: Photo — PhotoPhoto: The original uploader was Esagor at English Wikipedia . · CC BY 3.0 · source

Confirm EVERY point before you eat it

One branching base with many overlapping spoon or fan-shaped fronds, gray-brown above
White underside of tiny pores; no gills
Wavy, pale frond edges and a rich mushroomy smell
Grows at the base of a tree or stump

0 of 4 confirmed. If any point does not match, it is not this plant.

Look-alikes to rule out

Black-staining polyporeHarmless
Bruises black when handled; tougher and less prized.
Berkeley's polyporeHarmless
Much larger, thicker, with larger pores; edible only when very young.

Warnings

Cook thoroughly and try a small portion first.

In season

Returns to the same tree yearly.

Habitat

Base of living or dead oaks; also other hardwoods.

Parts used

tender fronds

Preparation and use

Roast, saute or add to soup.

Harvest note

Cut, do not rip; leave part of the cluster.

Field traits

Grows on: oak base
Underside: pores
Spore print: white

Educational reference only. Never eat a wild plant or mushroom based on a website or app. Confirm with an experienced forager, your local extension office, or a mycological club. Poison Control (US): 1-800-222-1222. Call 911 for severe symptoms.