A large polypore with clusters of overlapping brownish-gray fan shaped caps attached to a common base with short tough stems. It is widely regarded as a choice edible and is described as having a wide range of medicinal properties. The flesh is fairly fibrous but becomes tender with long slow cooking. The undersides of the mushroom’s caps are white and composed of tiny pores instead of the plate-like gills seen in more typical mushrooms.

Typical of polypores, this species requires a lower relative humidity that most gilled mushrooms.

This species has been extensively studied for its medicinal properties in Japan, China and the U.S. It reportedly has antiviral and antitumor activity as well as other healthful benefits.

Inoculate stumps and logs with maitake mushroom plug spawn and experience years of wonderful, fresh gourmet mushroom harvests. Freshly cut hard wood is preferred. Use approximately 25-50 plugs per 3 foot by 4-8 inch diameter log. Spring inoculated logs may yield first crops by fall, best fruitings occur within one or two years. Plug size: 5/16in x 1in spiral grooved dowels.

Prepare inoculation sites by drilling 5/16in x 1 1/2in holes in a 4-6 inch spiraled spacing around presoaked logs or stumps. Hammer in plugs slighly below surface level to allow for capping with melted cheese wax to prevent drying of spawn. Stack or lean logs in shady location and do not allow to excessively dry. Dunk logs in bins of water to rehydrate, or water with traditional sprinklers, misters, or soakers during dry spells. Expect fall harvests for years to come.

For more information on growing from plug spawn check out the following titles from our Mushroom Bookstore: