Hen-of-the-woods
Grifola frondosa
A species of Hen-of-the-woods. Also known as Sheep's head.
Frequently discovered near the base of oak trees, this particular fungus forms characteristic rosette clusters. It infests the root systems of live hardwood trees. When collected at an early stage, Hen-of-the-woods is deemed suitable for consumption, and in Japan, it's cultivated atop compacted sawdust.
In This Article
Attributes of Hen-of-the-woods
Cap Diameter
3 - 15 cm
Height
10 - 60 cm
Cap
Cap 3 - 14 cm across; fan-shaped; dark to pale gray-brown; with wavy margins
Cap Surfaces
Velvety
Stem
Often off-center, branched; whitish or cream
Flesh
Fairly tough; white, unchanging when sliced
Ring
Ringless
Spore Print Color
White
Odor
Mild and pleasantly sweet when young.
Body Color
BrownGray
Flesh Bruises
The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.
Growth Form
Clustered
Nutrient Gathering
Saprophytic, Parasitic
Substrate
Dead Woods, Wood of Living Trees
You can find Hen-of-the-woods by these plants
Oaks, English oak
Occurence Habitats
Deciduous Woodland
Species Status
Widely distributed
Endangered Species
No
Scientific Classification of Hen-of-the-woods
Phylum
Club fungi
Class
Mushroom-forming fungi
Order
Shelf fungi
Family
Meripilaceae
Genus
Hen-of-the-woods
Toxicity and Edibility of Hen-of-the-woods
Is Hen-of-the-woods Toxic?
Toxicity information is not available for this mushroom. Always consult with an expert before consuming any wild mushrooms.
