Mushrooms
Hen of the Woods
Hen of the woods grows exclusively at the base of old oaks. It can be hard to see even though it reaches a certain size, as the colour often blends in with the forest floor. Hen of the woods mushrooms resemble small hens sitting in a flock around an oak tree. I have found up to five specimens around a tree, but often there are only one or two mushrooms at each tree.
Find it in nature
Exclusively at the base of old oak trees
Sjælland
Jægersborg Dyrehave
At the base of the oldest oak trees
Bornholm
Almindingen
Old oak stands
Østjylland
Kalø Slotsruin-skovene
Older oak stands near the coast
The Mushroom Handbook
Similar ingredients
Morel
A rare and capricious mushroom that thrives with elm – years can pass between finds of edible morels.
Hooded Morel
A lovely bonus find in April and May – appears in thickets and parks after rain and mild spring temperatures.
Chanterelle
Found in many types of forest from June to November – peaks after good rainfall and always grows in small groups.