Chicken of the Woods Laetiporus sulphureus

Identification
This fungus forms bright orange shelves with yellow edges.

Location
Common statewide

Size
5 to 20 inch clusters

Diet
It feeds on decaying wood.

Habitat
It occurs on oak and other hardwoods.

Activity Period
June to October

Behavior
It grows in large overlapping clusters. It appears after warm rains.

Lifecycle
Fruiting occurs in summer and autumn.

Population
The population is stable statewide.

History
It has long been present in Ohio forests.

Human Interactions
It is edible when young.

Facts
It is known for its chicken like texture.

Sources
ODNR NatureServe

Wood decay | Dead or dying trees | Statewide