Mushroom Blog

Hen-of-the-woods Grifola frondosa , commonly known as hen-of-the-woods or maitake, is an edible mushroom that’s a favorite of mushroom hunters. Growth Hen-of-the-woods is a polypore — a type of fungus that has small pores covering its underside. They grow on the bases of trees in shelf-like clusters, favoring hardwoods like oak. These clusters resemble the tail feathers of a sitting hen — hence the name “hen-of-the-woods.” Several hen-of-the-woods may grow on a single tree ( 1 ). This mushroom is native to China but also grows in Japan and North America, especially the northeastern United States. It’s a perennial mushroom and often grows in the same spot for many years. Identification Hen-of-the-woods are grayish-brown in color, while the underside of the caps and branch-like stalk are white, though coloring can vary. These mushrooms are most commonly found in the fall, but they can be found less frequently in the summer months as well. Hen-of-the-woods can grow