MushieChicken of the woods (Laetiporus sulphureus)
Edible with caution
Chicken of the woods is a bright sulphur-yellow and orange shelf fungus with pores, not gills. It must be cooked and is best tried in small quantities.
| Scientific name | Laetiporus sulphureus |
|---|---|
| Other names | Schwefelporling · Polypore soufré · Sulphur polypore |
| Family | Laetiporaceae |
| Season | May – Oct |
| Habitat | Bracket-like tiers on living and dead oak, cherry, willow and yew |
| Range | Europe and North America |
| Spore print | White |
| Smell | Pleasantly fungal, sometimes lemony |
How to identify Chicken of the woods
| Cap | Bright sulphur-yellow edged with orange, 10–40 cm shelves in overlapping tiers |
|---|---|
| Underside | Tiny sulphur-yellow pores |
| Stem | None; grows directly out of wood |
| Smell | Pleasantly fungal, sometimes lemony |
| Spore print | White |
Is Chicken of the woods edible or poisonous?
Edible with caution. Regarded as edible only when young and well cooked. Some people get gastrointestinal upset, and specimens from conifers, eucalyptus or yew are best avoided.
Chicken of the woods look-alikes
Avoid old, dry, bleached specimens and any growing on yew, eucalyptus or conifers.
When does Chicken of the woods grow?
Chicken of the woods is typically found May – Oct in bracket-like tiers on living and dead oak, cherry, willow and yew. See other mushrooms in season:
Frequently asked questions
Is Chicken of the woods edible?
Chicken of the woods (Laetiporus sulphureus) is regarded as edible only with caution. Regarded as edible only when young and well cooked. Some people get gastrointestinal upset, and specimens from conifers, eucalyptus or yew are best avoided. Never eat a wild mushroom based on an app or a website. Confirm identification and edibility in person with a qualified local expert.
What does Chicken of the woods look like?
Bright sulphur-yellow edged with orange, 10–40 cm shelves in overlapping tiers. Underside: tiny sulphur-yellow pores. Stem: none; grows directly out of wood.
What are the look-alikes of Chicken of the woods?
Avoid old, dry, bleached specimens and any growing on yew, eucalyptus or conifers.
When and where does Chicken of the woods grow?
Chicken of the woods is usually found from May to Oct. Habitat: bracket-like tiers on living and dead oak, cherry, willow and yew. Range: Europe and North America.
Found something like chicken of the woods?
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Sources and credits: written from standard field-guide references. Further reading: Wikipedia: Laetiporus sulphureus. Last updated 2026-10-22. Editorial policy.