Grifola frondosa

Scientific name:   Grifola frondosa (Dicks.: Fr.) S.F. Gray
Derivation of name:   Grifola is from an Italian fungus name;
frondosa means full of leaves (i.e., many caps).
Synonymy:   Polyporus frondosus Dicks.: Fr.
Common names:   Hen of the woods.
Phylum:   Basidiomycota
Order:   Polyporales
Family:   Meripilaceae
Occurrence on wood substrate:  Parasitic; in dense clusters
of overlapping caps on the ground at the base of deciduous
trees and stumps, especially oak and maple; September
through November. 
Dimensions:  Rosette-like clusters can be as large as 60 cm
across. Individual caps are 2-7 cm wide and attached to a
branching stalk which can be 2-4.5 cm long and up to 10 cm
thick.  
Upper surface:  Gray to brownish-gray or dark brown;
somewhat zonate; smooth or finely roughened
Pore surface: White to yellowish; pores 1-3 per mm.
Edibility: Edible, considered choice.
Comments:  This weak parasite of tree roots can be found at
the same site year after year. It is a highly sought after edible
species.

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Figure 1. This good-sized specimen of Grifola frondosa
made for a delightful find during a foray.

Figure 2. Several clusters at the base of a tree. Photo ©
Pam Kaminski.

Figure 3. Hen of the woods. Photo © David Work.

Figure 4. A well-camouflaged specimen on top of this
stump.

Figure 5. In addition to brownish colors, some Grifola
frondosa specimens have gray caps.


Figure 6. An unusual white specimen of hen of the woods.
The specimen was not particularly old nor was it exposed
to the direct rays of the sun. A gray-colored specimen
was nearby.

Figure 7. The white pore surface contrasts sharply with
the brownish caps. Photo © Pam Kaminski.

Figure 8. White pore surface of Grifola frondosa. The
individual pores are easy to see at 1-3 per mm.