Lion's Mane Mushroom

fungi · weird-looking · medicinal

Looks like a lion's mane. Lion's mane mushrooms have long, delicate spines that dangle down from the main body, making them look fluffy and wild like a lion's hair. The spines can grow longer than a centimeter.

Grows on trees. This fungus is called a tooth fungus because of its tooth-like spines. It grows in single clumps on trees and logs, especially in forests.

Many names around the world. In Japan, people call it yamabushitake, which means mountain monk mushroom. English speakers know it as lion's mane, bearded tooth fungus, or bearded hedgehog because of its spiky appearance.

Easy to mix up. Other Hericium species grow in the same areas and can look similar to lion's mane. Being able to tell them apart takes careful observation.