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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.
![](https://eattheplanet.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/304189189_443646427784709_63949702316567663_n.jpg)
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.
![](https://eattheplanet.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/304775968_443646431118042_1459797542166901780_n-1.jpg)
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.
![](https://eattheplanet.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/304929159_443646434451375_1403351342566896291_n.jpg)
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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.