Hericium americanum, commonly known as the Bear's Head Tooth, is a distinctive saprophytic and parasitic fungus belonging to the Hericiaceae family. Unlike its close relative Hericium erinaceus (Lion's Mane), which forms a single unbranched clump, H. americanum develops a branched fruiting body arising from a rooting base. The structure consists of multiple branches from which long, cascading, icicle-like spines (1-4 cm long) hang. The fruiting body is initially brilliant white, turning creamy or yellowish-brown with age or when damaged. It typically measures between 15 and 30 cm across, though larger specimens have been recorded.
Native: Eastern North America, Southern Canada, Eastern United States (Great Plains eastward). Primarily restricted to North America; replaced by Hericium alpestre in Europe and similar species in Asia.
No strains cataloged yet for this species.
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