Maitake (Asian populations)

Grifola frondosa

Family: Grifolaceae

Also called: Maitake, Hen of the Woods, Huishu Hua, 灰树花, Dancing Mushroom

Maitake (Asian populations) (Grifola frondosa)
Photo:Lukas from London, England(CC BY-SA 2.0)View original source →

Overview

Same species as the North American and European hen of the woods. Cultivated on a vast scale in Japan as 'maitake' since the 1980s; wild collected at the base of old Quercus serrata, Q. mongolica, and Castanea trees in temperate East Asia in autumn.

Edibility
Edible
Rarity
uncommon
Trophic mode
parasitic-saprotrophic
Typical peak
Sep

Season

Sep–Oct — typical fruiting months: Aug, Sep, Oct.

Host trees & substrate

  • Base of mature Quercus serrata
  • Base of mature Castanea crenata

Where it grows

See live fruiting predictions for Maitake (Asian populations) 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.