How to identify Shiitake

To correctly identify Shiitake (Lentinula edodes), check each of these features in order. Misidentification is the most common cause of mushroom poisoning, so cross-reference multiple sources.

Step-by-step identification

1. 1

   Cap

   Shape, color, surface texture, and diameter.

   2–4 inches in diameter, light to dark brown, umbrella-shaped

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   white to tan, closely spaced

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   1–2 inches long, short and stout

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   white to tan

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   Shiitake mushrooms are medium-sized mushrooms with a distinctive umbrella-shaped cap.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   decaying hardwood trees

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

smooth

Growth Form

saprotrophic

Spore Print

brown

Body color

brown

Odor

earthy

Flesh bruises

does not bruise

Height

1–2 inches

Cap Diameter

2–4 inches

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: adnate to decurrent
• Stem shape: equal
• Stem surface: dry
• Ring: absent
• Stem cross-section: solid

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