Bear's Head Tooth

Hericium abietis

Also called: Western Bear's Head, Conifer Coral Tooth, Western Lion's Mane

Bear's Head Tooth (Hericium abietis)
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Overview

Western conifer Hericium on dead/dying Douglas fir, true firs, and hemlock. Massive cascading tooth structure — same culinary value as Lion's Mane.

Edibility
Edible
Rarity
uncommon
Trophic mode
saprotrophic
Typical peak
Oct–Nov

Season

Sep–Dec — typical fruiting months: Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov.

Host trees & substrate

  • Dead/dying Douglas fir
  • True fir
  • Western hemlock

Where it grows

See live fruiting predictions for Bear's Head Tooth on the forecast home page, or browse the full field guide.

Always confirm wild-mushroom identification with multiple sources and a knowledgeable local expert before consuming. Read the foraging safety guide.