Chicken of the woods (Laetiporus sulphureus) is a vibrantly colored edible mushroom that is highly sought after by mushroom foragers. With its bright orange and yellow caps that grow in shelf-like clusters on trees, chicken of the woods is easily recognizable but can sometimes be tricky to locate. In this comprehensive guide we will cover everything you need to know about identifying the prime locations and optimal conditions for finding chicken of the woods in the wild.
What is Chicken of the Woods?
Chicken of the woods is a polypore mushroom that grows on both living and dead trees. It is widely distributed across North America Europe and Asia, commonly growing on oak, cherry, sweet chestnut, and willow trees.
The mushroom gets its name from its uncanny resemblance to cooked chicken breast in terms of taste, texture and color. When raw the flesh is pale and firm but becomes deep golden and tender when cooked. The flavor is mild with a woodsy, nutty essence.
Chicken of the woods is a prized edible mushroom, popular among foragers for its versatility in the kitchen. It can be sautéed, roasted, breaded and fried, or used in soups and stews. In addition to its culinary uses, chicken of the woods has potential health benefits due to its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting compounds.
When to Look for Chicken of the Woods
Chicken of the woods grows during the warmer months, typically appearing in late spring through early fall. The fruiting bodies emerge when temperature and moisture conditions are optimal. Here are some guidelines for the best times to search by region:
- Northeast US: August to October
- Southeast US: May to September
- Midwest US: June to September
- Southwest US: July to September during monsoon season
- West Coast: April to November in areas with fog
- Pacific Northwest: June to October
Of course, seasonal timing can vary year to year depending on rainfall and other localized environmental factors. Ideal fruiting conditions for chicken of the woods are daytime highs between 60-80°F (15-27°C) and frequent rain or high humidity.
Where to Find Chicken of the Woods
Chicken of the woods grows exclusively on wood, particularly hardwood trees like oak, chestnut, cherry, maple, beech, and poplar. Here are some of the best places to search:
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Dead or dying hardwood logs and stumps: Carefully inspect logs and stumps of recently felled trees. The decomposing wood is an ideal growing medium.
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Wounds on living hardwood trees: Look for old wounds, scars, and cavities in the trunk, where chicken of the woods may emerge.
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Forest edges and tree lines: Scan the base of trees along the borders between forests and fields or roads. The sunlight penetration promotes growth.
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Parks and landscaped areas: Check ornamental and landscaping trees in municipal parks, gardens, and roadside plantings. Avoid areas treated with pesticides.
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Campgrounds: The accumulated deadwood provides habitat for chicken of the woods to establish in recreational forests.
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Riparian zones: Hardwoods along creek beds and rivers tend to harbor chicken of the woods.
What to Look for When Identifying Chicken of the Woods
Chicken of the woods has some key identifying features to look for when hunting:
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Clustered shelves or brackets: Overlapping caps emerging from a central point on wood.
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Color: Vibrant orange to yellow, often fading to pale as it ages. Whitish underside.
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Shape: Fan or kidney-shaped caps with ruffled, wavy margins.
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Size: Individual caps 2 inches to 2 feet across.
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Texture: Velvety surface when young, becoming scaly or cracked. Flesh is firm and fibrous.
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Spore print: White.
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Habitat: Dead or dying hardwood trees and logs.
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Scent: Faintly fruity, reminiscent of apricots.
Look-Alikes to Avoid
While chicken of the woods is considered a choice edible, some look-alikes contain toxins or may cause allergic reactions. Use caution and only harvest once you are 100% certain of the identification. Here are some potential imposters:
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Sulfur shelf (Laetiporus sulphureus) – Poisonous lookalike. Grows on conifers instead of hardwoods.
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Jack-o-lantern mushroom – Toxic and causes gastrointestinal issues if consumed. Grows on wood chips.
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Elm oyster – Inedible but not toxic. Found on dead elm trees instead of hardwoods.
If in doubt, seek guidance from an experienced mushroom identifier or mycologist. Never consume a wild mushroom without confident identification.
Harvesting Chicken of the Woods
When you spot chicken of the woods, follow these tips for responsible harvesting:
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Use a sharp knife to cut the mushroom flush at its base. Avoid pulling and disturbing the roots.
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Take only what you plan to use, leaving some to continue dispersing spores.
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Harvest younger, tender portions of the mushroom. Older sections become leathery.
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Clean dirt and debris with a soft brush or towel. Avoid washing until ready to cook.
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Transport in a rigid container to avoid squishing the mushrooms.
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Store refrigerated in a paper bag and use within 3-4 days.
Sustainable harvesting ensures the health of the mushroom patch and surrounding environment for future foraging.
Get Out and Find Chicken of the Woods!
With some keen observation skills and proper timing, you can discover incredible patches of chicken of the woods for harvest. Pay close attention to tree species, environments that promote growth, and the mushroom’s distinct features. Always exercise caution and only pick once you have achieved positive identification. before long, you’ll be reaping the rewards of wild chicken of the woods to showcase in your culinary creations. Now get out there and start hunting!
The Foraged commitment to quality and safety
When you buy Chicken of the Woods through Foraged, you can be sure that you are getting a high-quality, safe product. We work directly with our foragers and farmers to ensure that our products are fresh, sustainably sourced, and free from contaminants. Plus, our platform empowers relationships between independent food purveyors and their local communities, supporting a sustainable food system.
What is Chicken of the Woods?
Chicken of the Woods is a wild mushroom that grows on trees, often in clusters. It gets its name from its meaty texture, which is similar to chicken when cooked. The mushroom has a bright orange or yellow color and is often found on oak, cherry, and other hardwood trees. Chicken of the Woods is a favorite among foragers and food enthusiasts alike for its unique flavor and versatility in the kitchen.
Chicken of the Woods Mushrooms — How to Find, Prepare and Store Them
FAQ
Where is the best place to find chicken of the woods?
Chicken of the woods is a sulphur-yellow bracket fungus of trees in woods, parks and gardens. It can often be found in tiered clusters on oak, but also likes beech, chestnut, cherry and even yew.
Where are chickens of the woods found?
Chicken of the woods (Laetiporus sulphureus) can be found on the base of both dead and living trees. They’re commonly found on oak trees but also on cherry or beech.
Is chicken of the woods easy to find?
Two things make chicken of the woods great for beginners. First, their bright color makes them easy to find. Second, no other fungi in our area look quite like them. Jack-o’lantern mushrooms (Omphalotus illudens) are poisonous and can have a similar color but they have gills and stems.
What time of year can I find chicken of the woods?
Chicken of the woods fruiting bodies typically grow in the late summer to fall, however, fruiting bodies can appear any time of year. They are a popular culinary item, and while they are a treasure for mushroom hunters, they can also be a sign of decay in landscape trees.