Chicken of the Woods

Laetiporus sulphureus

Also known as: Sulphur Shelf, Chicken Mushroom

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Edibility edible

Phylum Basidiomycota

Family Fomitopsidaceae

Conservation Least Concern

Complete Taxonomy

Kingdom: Fungi

Phylum: Basidiomycota

Class: Agaricomycetes

Order: Polyporales

Family: Fomitopsidaceae

Genus: Laetiporus

Species: L. sulphureus

Description

Laetiporus sulphureus, chicken of the woods, is a large, brightly colored bracket fungus that grows in striking yellow-orange shelves on trees. The name derives from its texture and flavor, which resembles chicken when cooked. It's a popular edible but can cause gastric upset in some individuals, especially when growing on certain tree species (eucalyptus, conifers). Young specimens are tender; older ones become tough and crumbly.

Physical Characteristics

Cap Shape: Fan or semicircular overlapping shelves

Cap Color: Bright sulfur-yellow to orange upper surface; sulfur-yellow pores below; 5-60 cm wide

Size: 5-60 cm wide per shelf, multiple shelves often present

Gill Attachment: No gills; tiny bright yellow pores on underside

Spore Print: White

Stipe: No stipe; brackets attached laterally to wood

Habitat: Parasitic and saprotroph on hardwoods, occasionally conifers

Fruiting Season: Spring through fall, depending on region

Distribution

North America, Europe, Asia

Habitat

Grows on living and dead hardwoods, especially oak, cherry, willow. Causes brown cubical heart rot. Sometimes on conifers (these may cause gastric upset).

Ecological Role

Causes brown heart rot in living trees, eventually killing them. Continues decomposing dead wood. Important in forest nutrient cycling and cavity creation for wildlife.

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Generally edible when young and growing on hardwoods. May cause allergic reactions or gastric upset in some people. Avoid specimens growing on conifers, eucalyptus, or cedar. Some people sensitive even to "safe" specimens.

Medicinal & Nutritional Properties

Good source of protein when young
Contains antioxidants
Antibacterial compounds
Low in fat and calories
Should be cooked thoroughly

Cultural Significance

Popular edible among foragers. Large, conspicuous, and relatively easy to identify. Can provide several pounds of edible mushroom from single occurrence. Best when young and tender. Requires thorough cooking.

Fascinating Facts

Texture and taste resemble chicken when cooked
Can produce 50+ pounds of mushroom mass on one tree
Bright yellow-orange color makes it unmistakable
Young edges taste lemony and tender
Older portions tough and crumbly - inedible
May cause reactions in 5-10% of people
Best avoided if growing on yew, eucalyptus, or conifers
Can fruit on same tree for many years