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Upcoming Events | Meet the Instructors | Plant Archive | Mushroom Archive
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The Black-staining polypore (Meripilus sumstinei) is an edible mushroom that is often confused for Hen-of-the-woods. It can be found growing at the base of deciduous trees, usually oaks, from July-September.
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The Black-staining polypore has grayish-white caps that stain black when touched or cut. When young, the pore surface is white. The smell is reminiscent of Hen-of-the-woods.
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Unlike Hen-of-the-woods, the Black-staining polypore is usually too tough to be palatable. However, the mushroom has a great flavor. It can be used to flavor broth or soup.
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Written by Amy Demers, founder of the Connecticut Foraging Club. To learn more about foraging in Connecticut, check out our upcoming classes.