A large clustered mushroom that grows on old hardwood trees. Prized culinary mushroom; can grow to massive size.

Also called: Hen of the Woods, Maitake

Native status: Native; widespread

§ Quick facts

SizeFruiting body 25–80 cm across
Weight1–40 kg
LifespanFruiting body persists 2-3 weeks
OrderPolyporales
FamilyMeripilaceae

§ Encyclopedia

Grifola frondosa, also known as hen-of-the-woods, sheep's head, ram's head, or maitake in Japanese, is a polypore mushroom that grows at the base of trees, particularly old growth oaks or maples. It is native to China, Europe, and North America.

Source: Wikipedia — Grifola frondosa Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Large clustered shelf fungus with overlapping caps.

Similar species. Other clustered polypores.

Voice. N/A

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Saprotrophic — decomposes oak wood.

Behavior. Edible; can grow to massive size on old hardwood stumps.

§ Range

Eastern North America

§ Habitat

Old hardwood trees, especially oak

§ Threats

Forest loss, removal of mature trees.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the hen of the woods is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Leave dead and dying trees standing where safe.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • North American Mycological Association
  • iNaturalist