Lion's Mane (Europe)

Hericium erinaceus

Family: Hericiaceae

Also called: Lion's Mane, Bearded Tooth, Hérisson, Pom Pom

Lion's Mane (Europe) (Hericium erinaceus)
Photo:(c) Alison Northup, some rights reserved (CC BY)(CC BY 4.0)View original source →

Overview

Same species as the North American Lion's Mane. Legally protected in several European countries — Italy, Germany, Switzerland — because of habitat loss. Single white pom-pom on wounded beech and oak trunks. Photograph and report, do not pick where protected.

Edibility
Edible
Rarity
rare
Trophic mode
parasitic-saprotrophic
Typical peak
Oct

Season

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

Host trees & substrate

  • Wounded living beech
  • Wounded living oak

Where it grows

See live fruiting predictions for Lion's Mane (Europe) 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.