Chicken of the Woods

Types of Mushrooms Polypores Bolete Mushrooms Types of Mushrooms

Laetiporus sulphureus is a common shelf mushroom that goes by a couple of names such as sulfur shelf and chicken of the woods. The latter name suggests its edibility, however caution is always advised for anyone who plans to consume wild mushrooms.

The picture shows an older specimen that has weathered. Younger specimens have a brighter orange-yellow color with a more discinct light edge.

They can be found growing on both hardwoods and conifers, often in large clumps.

© 2009 Patricia A. Michaels