Maitake or Grifola Frondosa, is an edible fungus native to China, northeastern Japan, and North America. Maitake has circular clusters of wavy, gray-brown caps growing in shelf-like formations that can be seen growing at the base of hardwood and softwood trees, especially oaks in the wild. Its distinctive shape has earned it the nickname “hen-of-the-woods.” These fungi can grow up to three feet wide and weigh up to 50 pounds, though most average about 10 pounds.