Maitake
ExploreFungi
Maitake
Grifola
Maitake mushrooms, also known as 'hen of the woods', grow in clusters at the base of trees. They have a unique appearance with overlapping brownish caps and are prized for their delicious taste in cooking.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Maitake has wavy, fan-shaped caps that layer in dense, overlapping clusters, resembling a frilly, leafy bush. Its caps range from grayish-brown to tan, often with paler edges, and are supported by a thick, branching white stalk. This distinctive, cauliflower-like appearance makes it easily recognizable.
KingdomFungiPhylumBasidiomycotaClassAgaricomycetesOrderPolyporalesFamilyMeripilaceaeGenusGrifola
Category
FungiRarity
Rare
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Giant clusters of Maitake can weigh over 100 pounds, making them true forest giants!
In Japan, its name means "dancing mushroom" because people danced with joy upon finding it!
Its hidden root-like system can live for decades, allowing it to reappear in the same spot yearly!
Maitake's wavy caps are shaped like layered fans, giving it a unique, bushy appearance!
Special abilities
Ability
Immune Booster
Maitake has compounds that can activate immune cells, helping the body fight off invaders.
Ability
Wood Decomposer
Maitake can break down dead hardwood trees, returning vital nutrients to the forest soil.
Ability
Hidden Growth
Maitake has a deep, perennial mycelial network that allows it to fruit from the same spot year after year.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 10-40 cm
- Edibility
- edible
- Cap Diameter
- 10-60 cm
- Growth Substrate
- wood
- Season
- Fall
- Spore Color
- White
Ecological connections
depends on
White Oak
Quercus alba
Maitake often grows at the base of old or dying white oak trees.
depends on
American Beech
Fagus grandifolia
Can be found decomposing the roots and stumps of American beech trees.
depends on
Red Maple
Acer rubrum
Utilizes the wood of red maple trees as a food source for growth.
Traits
Medicinal
Medicinal plants possess chemical compounds that can be used for therapeutic purposes to treat illnesses or maintain health.
Spore Producing
Spore-producing organisms reproduce by releasing small, often single-celled, reproductive units called spores.
Edible
Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
Edible Mushroom
This trait refers to fungal species that are safe for human consumption when properly identified and prepared.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Also known as
Grifola frondosa
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Never eat mushrooms found in the wild unless an adult who knows about mushrooms says it's safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Maitake?
10-40 cm
Is Maitake edible?
edible
How big is Maitake?
10-60 cm
Where is Maitake usually found?
Forests
What does Maitake grow on?
wood
When is Maitake in season?
Fall
What color are Maitake spores?
White
Snap Map
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