Mushrooms

Lion's mane

Hericium erinaceus / H. americanum / H. coralloides

Also called: bearded tooth

White mass of hanging spines with no gills or cap. No toxic look-alikes in the eastern U.S.

Lion's mane: Photo. Long, dangling, icicle-like spines — PhotoLong, dangling, icicle-like spinesPhoto: lisebsb · CC BY · source

Lion's mane: Whole plant — Whole plantPhoto: Matthew Gerke · CC BY · source

Confirm EVERY point before you eat it

White to cream mass of dangling, icicle-like spines, 1/4 to 2 in long
No cap and no gills; grows from a single attachment point on wood
Soft, white flesh with a mild, seafood-like smell
Discard if yellowed, slimy or bitter

0 of 4 confirmed. If any point does not match, it is not this plant.

Look-alikes to rule out

Other Hericium speciesHarmless
Branching or coral-like forms; also edible.

Warnings

Cook and try a small portion first.

In season

Late summer through fall.

Habitat

Dead or dying hardwoods, especially oak, beech and maple.

Parts used

whole fruit body

Preparation and use

Saute or roast; shreds like crab.

Harvest note

Leave some for spore release.

Field traits

Grows on: dead or dying hardwood
Underside: spines
Spore print: white

Backpack Guide: Lion's Mane — Positive ID →

Educational reference only. Never eat a wild plant or mushroom based on a website or app. Confirm with an experienced forager, your local extension office, or a mycological club. Poison Control (US): 1-800-222-1222. Call 911 for severe symptoms.