Hen of the Woods

Grifola frondosa

Also called: Hen of the Woods, Maitake, Sheep's Head, Ram's Head, Dancing Mushroom

Overview

Root parasite of living oaks — attacks the root system, causes butt rot, then keeps fruiting from the decaying root crown for years. Returns annually to the same tree base. NOT mycorrhizal.

Edibility

Edible

Rarity

common

Trophic mode

parasitic-saprotrophic

Typical peak

Mid-Sep–Oct

Season

Late Aug – Nov — typical fruiting months: Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct.

Host trees & substrate

Mature oak (18"+ DBH)
Occasionally maple base

Where it grows

Appalachian Highlands
Northeast
Upper Midwest / Great Lakes
Southeast Coastal Plain
Great Plains
Texas
Desert Southwest
Sierra Nevada & Nor-Cal
Western European Lowlands
Central European Mixed Forest

See live fruiting predictions for Hen of the Woods on the forecast home page, or browse the full field guide.

Always confirm wild-mushroom identification with multiple sources and a knowledgeable local expert before consuming. Read the foraging safety guide.