That's how I've usually seen them grow here. My woods are 90% tall white pine and this batch is around two old oak trees so maybe that's why these hens like it there. The first time I discovered them the main cluster was the size of a beach ball. Notice the coffee can for size reference I've not tried to touch that area as they seem to like it there. They've never gotten that big since the first year I think that one weighed on at 12 lbs. All very healthy and about 4 other medium clusters.
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I'll plan hikes after rain this time of the year and the majority of time come back with nothing. I sit on my front steps and then notice all kinds of stuff. Maybe it's a message to slow down.
Plenty of hems in my area. I even noticed more in my neighbors yard and there's one huge batch of chicken about 30' up on a tree above my neighbors road. Disappeared in the last tropical storm tho.
Good mushroom soup season.