Shiitake
ExploreFungi
Shiitake
Lentinula
Shiitake Mushrooms have a unique shape and a strong flavor. They are often used in Asian cooking and are loved for their delicious taste!
Habitat: Wooded areas
Appearance
The Shiitake has a cap that ranges from light to dark brown, often with white or tan scales. Its gills underneath are creamy white and packed closely. It often grows in clusters, emerging from decaying wood.
KingdomFungiPhylumBasidiomycotaClassAgaricomycetesOrderAgaricalesFamilyOmphalotaceaeGenusLentinula
Category
FungiRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
It's the second most popular cultivated mushroom worldwide, after button mushrooms!
Shiitake mushrooms have been grown by people for over 2,000 years in Asia!
Some Shiitake are called 'flower' mushrooms because cracks form on their caps!
These mushrooms are famous for adding a rich, savory 'umami' flavor to food!
Special abilities
Ability
Wood Decomposer
Shiitake can break down tough wood because of special enzymes, which helps recycle nutrients back into the forest soil.
Ability
Immunity Booster
Shiitake has compounds like lentinan that help strengthen the body's defenses, making it a superfood!
Measurements & details
- Height
- 5-10 cm
- Edibility
- edible
- Cap Diameter
- 5-15 cm
- Growth Substrate
- wood
- Season
- Fall
- Spore Color
- White
Ecological connections
depends on
Japanese Oak
Quercus serrata
Obtains nutrients by decomposing dead wood from this tree.
depends on
Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum
Feeds on the decaying wood of this tree species.
eaten by
Leopard Slug
Limax maximus
These slugs are known to feed on wild Shiitake mushrooms.
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
Black MushroomShiitake 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 Shiitake?
5-10 cm
Is Shiitake edible?
edible
How big is Shiitake?
5-15 cm
Where is Shiitake usually found?
Wooded areas
What does Shiitake grow on?
wood
When is Shiitake in season?
Fall
What color are Shiitake spores?
White
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
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