Pocono Pines Agent Albert Monaco is an avid fan of the outdoors; Hunting, fishing and walking the woods in search of what Mother Nature has to offer on the Pocono Plateau.

Albert Monaco’s “Hen of the Woods” wild mushroom

Al spotted the mushroom on September 30 while driving down a road in our area. Al will not disclose the location of this amazing find as this type of mushroom is known to reproduce annually in the same location for years.

Now, this particular type of mushroom is one of the best known of all edible mushrooms and it’s probably the one that offers the biggest harvest in many areas, for a single specimen of the “Hen of the Woods” can weigh 10 pounds or more. “Hen of the Woods” is most abundant in parts of the Northeast where there are many large oak trees, a single oak tree can yield as much as 100 pounds of this mushroom in one season.

Al cut the mushroom off of an Oak tree. He had to remove it in 5 parts. It is estimated to have weighed 65 pounds and was 3 feet in diameter. Approximately 30 pounds was root material and was discarded. Al soaked the mushrooms then par-boiled and canned it, reserving it for future consumption. This type of mushroom can also be easily frozen. ”Hen of the Woods” is considered a delicacy and the quality of the one Al found is remarkably close to fresh.

The name “Hen of the Woods” refers to it’ appearance, which resembles a hen with ruffled feathers. In Appalachian region it is called “Sheepshead” or “Ramshead” by many, these are similar visual metaphors. The Japanese name, Maitake, means ’ dancing mushroom’ - meaning a mushroom hunter lucky enough to find one is often inspired to dance gratefully at the discovery.

The Hen of the Woods is mostly a fall mushroom, but summer and even rarer, spring fruiting have been reported.

This species is typically associated with Oak trees so the best way to find it is to seek it during autumn around the base of large Oak trees, living or dead, and stumps. Other know hosts include Elm, Maple, Beech, Chestnut and Sycamore; lt has also been reported with larch , pines and other conifers. Especially under big Oak trees.

It is a very distinctive species with no dangerous “look-alikes” making it a very good choice for a novice mushroomer.