Found some Chicken-of-the-Woods growing on a rotting oak log today. Its scientific name is Laetiporus sulphureus. It is a polypore shelf mushroom.

The Chicken-of-the-Woods is edible, although some people may be allergic to it. It is said to taste like chicken to some people with a lemony flavor. Others claim it tastes like crab or lobster. It makes a good substitute for meat. One should eat a small amount first to make sure they do not get a reaction to it before eating a lot of it.

 

The Chicken is a saprophyte, meaning that it feeds on dead trees and also sometimes a parasite, meaning that it feeds on live trees as well.

 

From what I understand, there are six known species of Chicken in North America, and twelve known species worldwide. This species, Laetiporus sulphureus, is found in Eastern North America.

There is a National Geographic television program (Flithy Riches?) which focused on mushroom hunters who made their living off of collecting mushrooms. The Chicken was one of the featured mushrooms.

WARNING: Remember to get permission from the land owner before collecting mushrooms, and be absolutely certain of the type of mushroom before eating it.