ℹ️ Edibility Note
Ensure proper identification, as some mushrooms can be toxic. Shiitake should be cooked before consumption to avoid gastrointestinal upset.
Description
Lentinula edodes, commonly known as Shiitake, has a distinctive brown, umbrella-shaped cap that can reach up to 10 cm in diameter. The gills are closely spaced and white to light brown, and the stem is thick and often curved, with a fibrous texture.
Habitat & Distribution
Habitat: Grows on decaying hardwood, particularly oak, and can also be cultivated on logs or sawdust.
Region: Native to East Asia, but now cultivated worldwide.
Seasonality
Typically fruits in late summer to early winter.
Common Lookalikes
Always verify identification to avoid these similar species:
- Lentinula boryana (edible) - Similar in appearance but typically has a lighter cap and is less common.
- Armillaria mellea (edible) - Has a ring on the stem and grows in clusters, but has a more yellowish cap.
- Pleurotus ostreatus (edible) - Oyster mushroom, has a more fan-shaped cap and grows on decaying wood.
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