Bear's Head Tooth
Hericium americanum
Do not eat any fungi that has not been properly identified by a qualified professional, some are DEADLY when ingested. All edible wild fungi MUST be cooked.
Hericium americanum (Fam. Hericiaceae ) is white when fresh and yellows with age. It has long spines and a branched fruiting body. The fungus is 15-30cm (6-12”) across. It is a tightly branched structure which develops from a rooted base. When young, before the branches have developed, it might be confused with Hericium erinaceus (which is also edible).
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Type
Distinguishing Features
This species of Hericium is easy to identify; it is the only species that develops a single clump of dangling spines, rather than hanging its spines from a branched structure. Additional identifying features include that it typically appears on the wounds of living or very recently cut hardwoods, and that its spines are generally more than 1 cm in length.
Height
The spines measure .5 -4cm (1/4 - 1-1/2”) long and hang from the branches in clusters or rows. In total it can measure 15-30 cm ( 6 – 12”) across.
Habitat
This saprobic fungi fruits on dead hardwood or on living trees that have been injured; though it has been documented on conifers. It is solitary or clustered.
Spore Print
White.
Season
Late August to November.
Gills
not applicable (toothed).
Edibility
Edible when young – be sure it is white. Mild nutty taste; cook before eating.
Other Name
Lion's Mane.
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