Species details
Lion's mane
Hericium erinaceus
Traditionally edible
Photo: Tomasz Przechlewski · CC BY 2.0 · Photo source · License
Description
A white rounded wood fungus with long hanging spines, resembling a white mane.
Identification features
Spines hang downward and are not borne on coral-like branches; older fruitbodies yellow.
Identification checklist
Check the entire fruitbody for identification. A white rounded wood fungus with long hanging spines, resembling a white mane. Spines hang downward and are not borne on coral-like branches; older fruitbodies yellow. Typical habitat: On old living or dead hardwoods, especially beech and oak; rare in many areas.
How to separate similar species
Compare especially with these similar species: Hericium coralloides. 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 old living or dead hardwoods, especially beech and oak; rare in many areas.
Fruiting period
August, September, October, November