Chicken of the Woods in Alaska

Chicken of the woods is a bright orange and yellow shelf fungus that grows in layered formations on trees. Its color makes it hard to miss in the forest. Few mushrooms in Alaska are as visually striking. When found fresh and properly identified, it’s one of the more recognizable wild fungi

It gets its name from its texture, which resembles cooked chicken when prepared properly.

Where Chicken of the Woods Grows

It grows on:

• Hardwood trees
• Dead logs
• Occasionally weakened live trees

It attaches directly to wood rather than soil.

Identifying Chicken of the Woods

You can identify it by:

• Bright orange upper surface
• Yellow underside
• Shelf-like overlapping growth

It grows in large clusters.

Ecological Role

This fungus helps break down dead or dying wood, contributing to nutrient cycling within forests.

Edible Uses

Chicken of the woods must always be thoroughly cooked before eating.

It is commonly:

• Sautéed
• Added to soups
• Used as a meat substitute

A sturdy knife helps cut thick shelves cleanly from wood.