Hericium americanum (Bear's head)
Family
Hericiaceae
Location
North America
Dimensions
Body 15–20 cm across, spines 2-8 cm long
Edibility
This site contains no information about the edibility or toxicity of mushrooms.
Description
Hericium americanum, also known as Bear's head, is a large mushroom belonging to the tooth fungus group. It grows on dead broadleaf trees and on fallen trunks and branches; perhaps initially parasitic on dying broadleaf trees.

Fruiting body usually has several branches. White or pale yellow-brown turning darker with age, the fruitbody is attached to the substrate by a very short, broad stipe. Stem very short if present. Spore print white.

Microscopic Features: The spores are generally ellipsoidal to subglobose in shape and have a smooth or slightly warty surface. They measure approximately 5-7µm in length and 4.5-6µm in width.

Hericium americanum on the MushroomExpert.Com Web site.
Hericium americanum on the www.first-nature.com web site.

Many mushrooms are poisonous, and some can be lethally toxic. Distinguishing between edible and poisonous mushrooms can be very challenging. Therefore, we strongly advise against consuming wild mushrooms. This website does not contain any information about the edibility or toxicity of mushrooms.

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