Chicken of the Woods

Habitat

Saprotrophic and weakly parasitic on dead or dying hardwoods—notably oak, sweet chestnut, beech, cherry, willow. Occasionally reported on yew, eucalyptus, or other conifers in the UK, though caution is advised. Widely distributed and common in suitable woodlands from late spring to autumn

Hazards & care

Safe when young—but may cause gastrointestinal upset in some individuals (even when cooked); more severe reactions occasionally reported (~10%) possibly due to mis-identification with other Laetiporus species on toxic hosts like hemlock or eucalyptus; avoid specimens growing on yew or eucalyptus; always cook thoroughly and try a small amount first.