Lion's Mane
Hericium erinaceus
Also called: Lion's Mane, Pom Pom Mushroom, Bearded Tooth, Bearded Hedgehog, Yamabushitake
Overview
Saprotrophic on wounds of dead and dying hardwood — beech, maple, oak. No mycorrhizal relationship; no living host required.
Edibility
Edible
Rarity
uncommon
Trophic mode
saprotrophic
Typical peak
Late Sep–Oct
Season
Aug–Nov — typical fruiting months: Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct.
Host trees & substrate
- Beech wounds
- Sugar maple
- Oak (dead/dying)
- Walnut
Where it grows
See live fruiting predictions for Lion's Mane 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.