Laetiporus cincinnatus

(Morgan) Burdsall, Banik & T. J. Volk

PolyporaceaeMushroomsPotential hazards — see below
Caution — Parts of this plant may be toxic or require specific preparation. Verify with multiple sources before consuming.
Laetiporus cincinnatus
iNaturalist · cc-by-nc
(c) Nate Swick, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Nate Swick
Laetiporus cincinnatus
iNaturalist · cc-by
(c) Sean Bloom, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sean Bloom

What to Eat

Edible parts: Mushroom, Fungus

The mushroom/fungus is edible.

Known Hazards

In some cases eating the mushroom "causes mild reactions ... for example, 'swollen lips' or in rare cases nausea, vomiting, dizziness and disorientation" to those who are sensitive. This is believed to be due to a number of factors that include allergies to the mushroom's protein or toxins which are only somewhat stable at high temperatures. As such, many field guides request that those who eat Laetiporus exercise caution by only eating fresh, young brackets and begin with small quantities to see how well it sits in their stomach. L. sulphureus has a potent ability to inhibit staph bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus), as well as moderate ability to inhibit the growth of Bacillus subtilis.

Where to Find It

It is a temperate plant.

North America, USA,

Countries: Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Bahamas, Belize, Canada, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Haiti, Jamaica, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Puerto Rico, El Salvador, Trinidad & Tobago, United States, St Vincent

How to Identify

A bracket fungus in the family Polyporaceae (probably now Fomitopsidaceae) that grows attached to trees, especially oak.

Notes

Probably now in family Fomitopsidaceae.

References (1)
  • The Mushroom Farm themushroomfarm.com

More from Polyporaceae