Description

What is Chicken of the Woods – Western?

Laetiporus gilbertsonii, commonly known as Western Chicken of the Woods, is a bright orange, fan-shaped polypore mushroom known for its meaty texture and striking appearance. A close relative of Laetiporus sulphureus, this species grows primarily in the western United States and is well-known for fruiting on eucalyptus and other hardwood trees.

It’s an edible, choice mushroom with a mild, chicken-like flavor and a firm, satisfying bite — highly sought after by foragers, chefs, and mushroom enthusiasts.

Where Does Laetiporus gilbertsonii Grow?

This species is native to the west coast of North America, especially California and Oregon. Unlike its midwestern cousin, L. gilbertsonii favors eucalyptus and oak species and typically fruits in spring and fall after periods of rain. It appears in overlapping clusters on living or recently dead hardwood trees.

Because it’s not cold-hardy like L. sulphureus, L. gilbertsonii is better suited for cultivation or observation in warmer, coastal climates.

Unique Characteristics and Study Potential

A Vibrant Mushroom with Culinary and Ecological Value

The Western Chicken of the Woods forms thick, overlapping shelves of soft orange to deep yellow flesh with no gills — only pores on the undersurface. It is easy to identify due to its bold color and dense fruiting pattern. It also plays an important ecological role as a wood decomposer.

This species is ideal for studying brown rot fungi, wood decay, and regional fungal biodiversity.

Culinary Uses and Cultivation Notes

L. gilbertsonii is a popular edible when young and tender, offering a juicy texture and flavor often compared to chicken or crab. It must be fully cooked before eating and is best harvested while the edges are still soft.

Cultivation is possible but challenging — requiring hardwood logs or sterile wood-based substrate blocks. Liquid culture allows for controlled expansion and experimentation in lab or grow-room conditions.

This 12cc liquid culture syringe contains actively growing mycelium for research or substrate inoculation.

Order Your Western Chicken of the Woods Liquid Culture Today

Grow or study this stunning western species of Laetiporus with a premium-quality liquid culture. Whether you're focused on gourmet mushrooms, forest ecology, or rare wood-decomposing fungi, Laetiporus gilbertsonii is a must-have in your mycology collection.

Taxonomic Details for Laetiporus gilbertsonii

• Kingdom: Fungi

• Division: Basidiomycota

• Class: Agaricomycetes

• Order: Polyporales

• Family: Fomitopsidaceae

• Genus: Laetiporus

• Species: Laetiporus gilbertsonii