This mushroom was actually growing on the trunk of a tree above my head-height when I spotted it. Unfortunately I didn’t grab a photo of it before I got it home. I haven’t found a Lion’s Mane since – and it’s been many years!
Both the Latin genus name Hericium and the species name erinaceus mean “hedgehog” in Latin which I think is the cutest thing ever and I did NOT know that until I wrote this post! It totally is like a little hedgehog.
You’ll typically find these on hardwood trees, such as beech and maples, during late summer and early fall. It’s considered saprophytic, as it usually feeds on dead trees, however, it can also be found on living trees (like the one I found), so may be a tree parasite.
This kind of mushroom has been cultivated and used for centuries in Asia for various medicinal purposes. Currently there have been many studies in animals and in vitro about the extracts of the mushroom providing a host of beneficial medical uses, however there is yet not enough evidence to support their use for actual treatment of or prevention of health conditions in humans.
Alternate Names: Mountain-priest mushroom, Bearded Tooth Fungus, Bearded Hedgehog Size: 5-40 cm (2"-15.5" in) in diameter Family: Hericiaceae Habitat: Fruits on decaying hardwood, wood, dung, grassy debris, forest litter. Identification: Shaggy, white or cream bulbous form typically on hardwood. Sometimes they are in clusters. When older the color can turn yellow-brown.
