Finding Chicken of the Woods: when, where and in what weather?
Laetiporus sulphureus ·
This mushroom lives on wood and grows on trunks, stumps and roots of trees. The main season for Chicken of the Woods is May to September.
⚠️ Chicken of the Woods suits beginners – but only with an extra rule, because dangerous mix-ups are possible. Mushroom foraging for beginners →
🛡️ Only what you know · nothing old · identify first, then eat
When is the season for Chicken of the Woods?
The main season covers May to September. Occasional finds are possible from April to October. When it starts in a given year depends on the weather: after rain and with mild temperatures, mushrooms can appear earlier.
Growth weight per month (higher = better conditions)
Not in season right now? Here's what's next in the forest →
Where does Chicken of the Woods grow?
- Preferred trees: Oak, other tree species, Larch.
- Soil pH: best between 4.5 and 8.5 (possible from 4.0 to 9.0).
- Elevation: most common between 0 and 1,000 m above sea level (possible from 0 to 1,500 m).
- Grows in forests as well as at forest edges and in open areas. Copes with dryness better than many other mushrooms.
Plan a hike through this terrain →
How nutritious is Chicken of the Woods?
Mushrooms are low in calories yet surprisingly rich in protein for a vegetable – good food after a hike.
- about 20–35 kcal per 100 g, raw
- about 2–4 g protein per 100 g
- about 1–3 g fibre, under 1 g fat
- plus potassium, B vitamins (mainly niacin and riboflavin) and selenium
Wild mushrooms grown outdoors get sunlight and form vitamin D as a result – more than most commercially grown mushrooms raised in the dark.
General guide values for edible wild mushrooms in general, raw; they vary by species, site and maturity. Not dietary advice.
Preserving Chicken of the Woods
- Drying: not suitable
- Freezing: cooked only
Only use the young, soft edges; older parts turn woody. Always cook thoroughly and freeze cooked; not suitable for drying.
All methods step by step: drying, freezing, pickling and more →
In what weather does Chicken of the Woods grow?
Growth is best at air temperatures from 12 to 34 °C, a humidity of 45–85 % and about 0–25 mm of rain in the last seven days.
Waldschatzfinder calculates the growth probability for your spot every day from this – with the weather of the last three months and the 10-day forecast, with an account also with soil, elevation, forest and tree species. It is a guide, not a promise.
Foraging safely
Only collect mushrooms you know for sure and have every find checked by a mushroom expert before eating. Many edible mushrooms have poisonous look-alikes. The mushroom AI gives you hints but is no substitute for expert advice. Try the mushroom AI
Frequently asked questions about Chicken of the Woods
When does Chicken of the Woods grow?
The main season of Chicken of the Woods is May to September; occasional finds are possible from April to October.
Where do I find Chicken of the Woods?
This mushroom lives on wood and grows on trunks, stumps and roots of trees. Preferred trees: Oak, other tree species, Larch. Grows in forests as well as at forest edges and in open areas.
In what weather does Chicken of the Woods grow?
Growth is best at air temperatures from 12 to 34 °C, a humidity of 45–85 % and about 0–25 mm of rain in the last seven days.
Is there a forecast for Chicken of the Woods?
Yes. Waldschatzfinder calculates the daily growth probability of Chicken of the Woods for your spot – free, with the weather of the last three months and the 10-day forecast; with an account also with soil, elevation, forest and tree species. The mushroom alert tells you as soon as the chances rise at your favourite place.