Hericium coralloides (Hericium americanum)
I saw this mushroom from on top a ridge. It was about 60 feet down an almost vertical drop. It was almost covering a large dead log at the bottom. It took me almost 30 minutes of clearing rose bush and green briar and climbing around what had been boils in the gully floor. But it was worth it. This has to be one of the tastiest mushrooms I have found. Good taste and texture. It is a rather striking, beautiful mushroom. Delicate white branches with teeth hanging down. It had several bugs hiding in its branches but that was easily taken care of by soaking it in water.
The name of this mushroom is in dispute variously called the Hericium coralloides or Hericium americanum or in older guide books Hericium ramosum.
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Hericium coralloides
Type: ToothedCollection date: 09/01/2008
Name: Hericium coralloides
Common Name: pom pon mushroom, Lion’s mane, bear’s head tooth fungus, mon
Description: These mushrooms are difficult to identify and this mushrooms has also been identified as Hericium americanum. It is a bright white mushroom with short hanging teeth. I spotted it from about 60 feet away almost covering a dead log.
Edibility: Choice
Color: White
Size: Over 15cm
Cap type: Other
Gills:
Stem type: Simple Stem
Flesh: Flesh white not bruising
Texture:
Veil:
Ring:
Volva:
Mycelium:
Spore color: White
Habitat: Grows in woods
Habitat2: Grows on wood
Habitat3:
Field Notes
Note: 10/05/2008 Noticed that the log which earlier had sprouted is sprouting again. : 46-76°F : DryNote: 10/07/2008 I see several growing do in the ravine : 50-72°F : Light Rain
Note: 10/09/2008 These are still growing in the ravine. : 55-65°F : Moist (1 inch of rain the last two
Note: 10/10/2008 The new one is still in the ravine : 50-68°F : Moist
Note: 10/12/2008 Harvested 1lb today, second harvest of season from same log. : 54-85°F : Moist