Hen of The Woods Mushrooms

Hen of the Woods, scientifically known as *Grifola frondosa*, is a highly valued mushroom both culinarily and medicinally. It is commonly found in temperate regions of North America and Japan, where it is also known as Maitake, meaning "dancing mushroom" in Japanese[1][2][5]. The mushroom typically grows from August to November at the base of oak trees and other hardwoods, forming large, tiered clusters that resemble a hen's ruffled feathers[1][2][6].

This fungus thrives in moist woodlands with mature and aging trees, particularly in river bottoms. It is weakly parasitic, often recurring annually in the same location due to its underground mycelium network[2][3]. Hen of the Woods is celebrated for its savory flavor and firm texture, making it a popular ingredient in various dishes such as stir-fries and soups[2][4].

Citations:

[1] Hen of the Woods - Wild Food UK https://www.wildfooduk.com/mushroom-g...

[2] Stalking the Hen of the Woods - Cornell Mushroom Blog https://blog.mycology.cornell.edu/200...

[3] Hen of the Woods (Maitake) - Missouri Department of Conservation https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/fi...

[4] Hen of the Woods – Grifola frondosa - Hiker's Notebook https://hikersnotebook.blog/fungi/pol...

[5] Maitake - The Wild Room https://www.thewildroom.com/maitake

[6] Hen of The Woods (Maitake): The Ultimate Guide - GroCycle https://grocycle.com/maitake-mushroom...

[7] Hen of the Woods – Identification, Edibility, Distribution, Medicinal ... https://gallowaywildfoods.com/hen-of-...

[8] Hen of the Woods (Maitake) - MEADOWFALL Farm & Forage http://www.meadowfallfarm.com/maitake

Written by Perplexity