Conifer Chicken Of The Woods
ExploreFungi
Conifer Chicken Of The Woods
laetiporus conifericola
The Conifer Chicken Of The Woods is a bright orange fungus that grows on trees! It looks a bit like a chicken and is a fun find in the forest.
Habitat: It lives on the trunks and stumps of conifer trees in forests.
Appearance
The Conifer Chicken Of The Woods is a striking shelf fungus, featuring vibrant orange, yellow, and salmon-pink layers. Its fan-shaped or shelf-like fruiting bodies often overlap in large clusters, creating a cascading appearance that stands out against dark tree bark.
KingdomFungiPhylumBasidiomycotaClassAgaricomycetesOrderPolyporalesFamilyLaetiporaceaeGenusLaetiporus
Category
FungiRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
It has a unique lemony scent when fresh, not like other fungi!
It sometimes 'bleeds' a clear, yellowish liquid when cut!
This fungus can be surprisingly heavy, reaching several pounds easily!
Young specimens are much softer and more vibrant than older, fading ones.
Special abilities
Ability
Wood Eater Power
Conifer Chicken Of The Woods can break down dead conifer wood, returning vital nutrients to the forest ecosystem.
Ability
Rapid Growth Spurts
Conifer Chicken Of The Woods has a fast growth rate that helps it quickly colonize suitable dead wood.
Ability
Pest Repellent Shield
Conifer Chicken Of The Woods can produce compounds that deter insects and other fungi from its growing fruiting body.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 2-10 cm
- Edibility
- edible
- Cap Diameter
- 10-60 cm
- Growth Substrate
- wood
- Season
- Summer to Fall
- Spore Color
- White or pale yellow
Ecological connections
eats
Douglas Fir
Pseudotsuga menziesii
Breaks down wood of dead or dying firs.
parasitizes
Tamarack Larch
Larix laricina
Causes brown cubical rot in weakened larch trees.
eaten by
Eastern Grey Squirrel
Sciurus carolinensis
Some squirrels occasionally nibble on this fungus.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Arboreal
Arboreal animals live primarily in trees, utilizing them for shelter, food, and protection from predators.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Decomposer
Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Also known as
Coniferous Chicken FungusWood Chicken
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always ask an adult before touching or eating wild mushrooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Conifer Chicken Of The Woods?
2-10 cm
Is Conifer Chicken Of The Woods edible?
edible
How big is Conifer Chicken Of The Woods?
10-60 cm
Where is Conifer Chicken Of The Woods usually found?
It lives on the trunks and stumps of conifer trees in forests.
What does Conifer Chicken Of The Woods grow on?
wood
When is Conifer Chicken Of The Woods in season?
Summer to Fall
What color are Conifer Chicken Of The Woods spores?
White or pale yellow
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
