Chicken of the Woods - Laetiporus sulphureus, species information page

Chicken of the Woods - Laetiporus sulphureus
Also known as Sulfur Shelf, Chicken Mushroom

A quite spectacular bracket fungus, Chicken of the Woods grows as an annual on rotting wood especially Oak and Beech. Growing as rather fleshy overlapping clusters with a shell shape, golden yellow colouration with reddish-orange bands, brighter underneath, it can reach quite large proportions and attaing weights in double figures. Usually seen in late summer but can be found from spring to autumn. Supposedly edible the outer areas are said to be quite tender, but there have been reports of adverse reactions to this fungus causing gastro-intestinal problems. FBCP do not advise or recommend that Chicken of the Woods is eaten The name "Chicken of the Woods" should not be confused with "Fried Chicken Mushroom" Lyophyllum decastes or "Hen of the Woods" Grifola frondosa.

Back