Hen of the Woods
ExploreFungi
Hen of the Woods
Grifola
The Hen of the Woods is a fun mushroom that looks like a big, fluffy hen. It grows at the base of trees and is a tasty treat for some people!
Habitat: Around oak trees in forests
Appearance
The Hen of the Woods has many wavy, overlapping, fan-shaped fronds that are creamy white underneath and grayish-brown on top, resembling a ruffled chicken or a pile of leaves. It grows in a large, intricate cluster at the base of trees, making it visually distinct from single-stemmed mushrooms.
KingdomFungiPhylumBasidiomycotaClassAgaricomycetesOrderPolyporalesFamilyGrifolaceaeGenusGrifola
Category
FungiRarity
Rare
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
It can grow enormous, sometimes weighing as much as a small child!
Its unique shape provides shelter for tiny insects and critters on the forest floor!
Some clusters of Hen of the Woods can live and fruit for over 50 years!
This mushroom is often called 'Maitake' in Japan, meaning 'dancing mushroom'!
Special abilities
Ability
Root System Power
Hen of the Woods has an extensive underground mycelial network that helps them absorb nutrients from wood, fueling their large growth.
Ability
Seasonal Return
Hen of the Woods can reappear in the same spot for many years because its underground network is perennial, ensuring a yearly harvest.
Ability
Wood Decomposer
Hen of the Woods actively breaks down dead hardwoods, recycling vital nutrients back into the forest soil.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 10-40 cm
- Edibility
- edible
- Cap Diameter
- 10-100 cm
- Growth Substrate
- wood
- Season
- Fall
- Spore Color
- White
Ecological connections
parasitizes
Red Oak
Quercus rubra
Feeds on living and dead wood of oak trees.
eats
White-tailed Deer
Odocoileus virginianus
Deer forage on its large, meaty fronds.
eats
Spanish Slug
Arion lusitanicus
Slugs sometimes munch on its tender fronds.
Traits
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.
Fall Color
Fall color refers to the seasonal change in foliage pigmentation, primarily in deciduous plants, displaying vibrant hues.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Also known as
Dancing Mushroom
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Do not pick or eat anything you find. Some plants and mushrooms can be harmful.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Hen of the Woods?
10-40 cm
Is Hen of the Woods edible?
edible
How big is Hen of the Woods?
10-100 cm
Where is Hen of the Woods usually found?
Around oak trees in forests
What does Hen of the Woods grow on?
wood
When is Hen of the Woods in season?
Fall
What color are Hen of the Woods spores?
White
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.
