This mushroom recently popped up in my backyard, and also did around the same time last year. I am in the Mid-Atlantic region of the US.
Anyone able to help identify what this might be?
Chicken of the woods!! Obviously confirm first, but they're delicious. Luckyyyy 😝
Thanks! Any recommended ways to confirm?
The Seek app for a decent start. A spore print is usually a good idea too. Generally speaking you can never be too careful with foraged fungi, but these are some of the most recognizable ones out there. Do some image searching for "chicken of the woods" or "Laetiporus sulphurus". Ehhh... or something like that, I can't spell it offhand lol. Enjoy your amazing meal!
Gotcha, thanks!
I also might go to the farmers market tomorrow and ask the mushroom guy there.
Laetiporus cincinattus aka chicken of the woods: https://www.mushroomexpert.com/laetiporus_cincinnatus.html
In prime condition for eating—I would pick and refrigerate or cook it right away.
Obviously, it’s good practice to confirm for yourself the edibility of any foraged mushrooms but this one is unmistakable. Make sure to cook fully, and I recommend eating in small quantities your first time. While widely consumed, these mushrooms do cause stomach upset in a small number of people.
Thanks! I’m going to pick it first thing tomorrow and stick it in the fridge. Planning to ask the mushroom guy at the farmers market tomorrow as well.