Chicken of the Woods

  • cap has orange and yellow bands
  • grows on conifers
  • edges are yellow (edible if soft)
  • underside is yellowish, porous
Pictures ():
Click edges for next/previous photo.

Look-alikes in Washington

The not-recommended (but widely eaten) Laetiporus gilbertsonii grows on hardwoods rather than conifers, but otherwise has an identical appearance. It has been implicated in adverse reactions including nausea in some individuals. The inedible and uncommon Pycnoporus cinnabarinus differs in that it is red or reddish, is not banded with yellow, and the edge of the cap is not soft and undulating.

Related topics: Edible Plants of PNW - Edible Berries of PNW - Edible Seashore of PNW
homepage | references | feedback