The genus name Lentinus derives from the Latin "lent", meaning "pliable," and "inus", meaning "resembling." The species name edodes is Latin for "edible." The common name Shiitake derives from that of the Japanese shii tree (Pasania spp.), logs of which the mushrooms grow on.

Shiitake, native to China, is a light amber fungi with ragged gills. Its stem can be central or off-center. It grows on fallen broadleaved trees such as beech, chestnut, oak, maple, walnut, and mulberry. Kits that allow you to grow your own Shiitakes are commonly available.

Shiitake mushrooms are edible and delicious. They are sold fresh or dried; the stems are often discarded, as they are tougher than the caps.

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