MushieLion's mane (Hericium erinaceus)
Edible (expert ID)
Lion's mane is a white, shaggy cascade of soft spines that looks like icicles hanging from a tree. It has few close lookalikes.
| Scientific name | Hericium erinaceus |
|---|---|
| Other names | Igelstachelbart · Hérisson · Hericium · Pom pom blanc |
| Family | Hericiaceae |
| Season | Aug – Nov |
| Habitat | On living and dead broadleaf trees, especially beech and oak |
| Range | Europe, North America and Asia |
| Spore print | White |
| Smell | Mild, seafood-like |
How to identify Lion's mane
| Cap | White, ball-shaped to 25 cm across, covered in dangling spines up to 5 cm long |
|---|---|
| Underside | Spines hang from the whole surface; no gills or pores |
| Stem | Almost none; attaches directly to the wood |
| Smell | Mild, seafood-like |
| Spore print | White |
Is Lion's mane edible or poisonous?
Edible (expert ID). Regarded as edible when young, white and well cooked. Other Hericium species are also regarded as edible. No deadly lookalikes are known.
Lion's mane look-alikes
Other Hericium species are branched or coral-like but are also regarded as edible.
When does Lion's mane grow?
Lion's mane is typically found Aug – Nov in on living and dead broadleaf trees, especially beech and oak. See other mushrooms in season:
Frequently asked questions
Is Lion's mane edible?
Lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus) is regarded as edible by field guides when it has been correctly identified and properly cooked. Regarded as edible when young, white and well cooked. Other Hericium species are also regarded as edible. No deadly lookalikes are known. Never eat a wild mushroom based on an app or a website. Confirm identification and edibility in person with a qualified local expert.
What does Lion's mane look like?
White, ball-shaped to 25 cm across, covered in dangling spines up to 5 cm long. Underside: spines hang from the whole surface; no gills or pores. Stem: almost none; attaches directly to the wood.
What are the look-alikes of Lion's mane?
Other Hericium species are branched or coral-like but are also regarded as edible.
When and where does Lion's mane grow?
Lion's mane is usually found from Aug to Nov. Habitat: on living and dead broadleaf trees, especially beech and oak. Range: Europe, North America and Asia.
Found something like lion's mane?
Photograph it with Mushie for possible matches, look-alike warnings and an AI guide for follow-up questions. Results are suggestions, never a safe-to-eat verdict.
Sources and credits: written from standard field-guide references. Further reading: Wikipedia: Hericium erinaceus. Last updated 2026-10-22. Editorial policy.