Hen of the woods, rattle fungus
Oak.
Other broadleaved species (including cherry and false acacia).
Found growing out from the ground near the base of the stem – sometimes appressed.
Annual. Fleshy. Frond-like mass. Cauliflower-esque – can attain a size similar to to a cauliflower head. Fronds brownish with generally browner margins. White pore layer. White spore. May exude water droplets when moist. Blackens-off in senescence (dry conditions) or degrades into a stringy mess (wet conditions).
Meripilus giganteus (bruises black, becomes generally larger and is a darker brown with orange); Sparassis crispa (on conifers).
Attributed to a white rot of the wood – both selective and simultaneous. Can eventually lead to structural failure – often after a period of gradual decay over many decades. When observed fruiting upon structural roots and where targets exist, structural stability or hollowness investigations may be required. Generally, not considered a fungus that prompts significant concern.
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