I’m no mushroom expert, but I’m pretty sure this clump of mushrooms growing at the base of the oak tree that borders our backyard is Laetiporus cincinnatus, a type of Chicken of the Woods mushroom.
This particular white oak has had a hole at the base of the trunk for more than 15 years now, so I already know that its days are numbered. Every time we have a violent thunderstorm I pray that the 50-foot shade tree doesn’t topple over. So many birds, mammals and insects live in it or take advantage of the leaves, bark and acorns.
These mushrooms are fascinating to look at and are even kind of pretty in their own weird way, but they also signal more trouble for the tree. They are parasitic and live on decomposing wood, but they can also cause wood to rot.
This particular species feeds on roots, so while other Chicken of the Woods mushrooms can be found on a hardwood tree’s trunk or branches, Laetiporus cincinnatus is always found at the base of a tree or rising up from roots that are buried far from the tree’s trunk.
Experts call these tasty, sought-after mushrooms “Chicken of the Woods” because they resemble chicken meat in texture and flavor.
I’ll have to take their word for it! 🙂