Species details
Coral tooth fungus
Hericium coralloides
Traditionally edible
Photo: Игорь Лебединский · CC BY 3.0 · Photo source · License
Description
A white strongly branched wood fungus with many spines hanging from coral-like branches.
Identification features
Unlike lion's mane, the fruitbody is strongly branched; older specimens yellow.
Identification checklist
Check the entire fruitbody for identification. A white strongly branched wood fungus with many spines hanging from coral-like branches. Unlike lion's mane, the fruitbody is strongly branched; older specimens yellow. Typical habitat: On dead hardwood, especially beech; often rare and of conservation importance.
How to separate similar species
Compare especially with these similar species: Hericium erinaceus. Check the combination of cap shape and colour, spore-bearing surface, stem, flesh changes and habitat. A single feature or photograph is not enough; if the key characters do not match the description, do not treat the identification as confirmed.
Habitat
On dead hardwood, especially beech; often rare and of conservation importance.
Fruiting period
August, September, October, November