I believe this is laetiporus persicinus

[Macadellic]

Hello all

I have recently struck up an interest in mushroom foraging after consuming lions mane, chicken of the woods, hen of the woods, and trumpet mushrooms!

I do understand that typical chicken of the woods is a nice orange color but upon doing some research (I acknowledge I am novice, no shame there) have discovered a species of laetiporus that is brown. I have read mixed reviews whether it is edible or not though.  I would greatly appreciate some input about what is shown in the images here. I believe it is a species of chicken of the woods called laetiporus persicinus. I did nibble a small piece and its taste and texture are just like the chicken of the woods I bought and consumed before. Only difference is that this is a dark brown color. 

It is very firm and spongy to the touch. No significant color change here. It just slightly browned where it was disconnected. I've also included the tree I found it on. Not sure what kind but know that's an important factor. 

[Dave W]

I'm not familiar with L. persicinus on a first-hand basis. But from what I can gather about the species, the color on the topside varies from pink to brown, and the pore surface is pinkish-buff (see http://www.mushroomexpert.com/polypores_stemmed_pale.html). L. persicinus is said to have a southern North American distribution, SE NA in particular (as well as areas south of North America). Some mushroom species typically associated with SE NA  are known to occur in New Jersey. So, L. persicinus seems like a possibility here. 

But, there are factors here that seem to point away from L. persicinus. The pore surface appears to be whitish and staining brown. The link posted above says that L. persicinus grows at the base of living hardwoods. Looks like the polypores seen here were found on a downed log. I think the ones in this thread may be Ischnoderma resinosum http://www.mushroomexpert.com/ischnoderma_resinosum.html. 

[Macadellic]

Thank you so much Dave!

After checking out the link on ischnoderma resinosum I am pretty much convinced that's what it is. As I have been told though, I should always double and triple check. In your opinion what should my next move be? Haha I'm ready to eat it!!

 

  

[Dave W]

I have not ever tried eating I. resinosum, but I have heard the young ones are edible. There are no dangerous fungi that look similar to I. resinosum that I know. So, if you wish to try it, I suggest beginning with a few thin slices, well cooked. Keep some in the fridge. Just in case you have a problem, it's a good idea to have a sample on hand.