If you’re new to mushroom identification and foraging, lion’s mane mushrooms are a great place to start.

Their distinct appearance makes them easy to spot and impossible to confuse with other, potentially poisonous, fungi.

Here’s what you should know about lion’s mane mushroom identification before you embark on your first foraging trip.

Article Jumplinks

What are the medicinal benefits of lion's mane?

What are the negative effects of lion's mane?

What does lion's mane look like?

Does lion's mane have any look-alikes?

What happens if you eat lion's mane mushrooms raw?

How can you take lion's mane if you don't like the taste of mushrooms?

What are Lion’s Mane Mushrooms?

Hericium erinaceus is the scientific name for an edible mushroom known by many common names (bearded tooth fungus, chicken of the woods, monkey head mushroom, the bearded hedgehog), but most people refer to it as lion’s mane. Often referred to as one of the healthiest mushrooms in the world, Hericium erinaceus provides an abundance of benefits for overall mental and physical health.

What are the Medicinal Benefits of Lion’s Mane?

Research on the potential benefits of the lion’s mane mushroom indicates this fungus has nerve regenerating potential, as it aids in the production of nerve growth factor proteins. It appears to ease the symptoms of dementia, lessen oxidative stress, as well as improve brain function and neuronal health. 

Some of the beneficial effects of lion’s mane include:

• reduces symptoms of ADHD, anxiety, and depressive disorders
• reduces inflammation and oxidation
• improves overall brain health and cognitive functioning, including learning and memory
• reduces the risk of heart disease and blood clots
• promotes neurite outgrowth
• improves mental clarity and protects against mild cognitive impairments and Alzheimer’s disease
• lowers blood sugar levels and aids in diabetes treatment
• encourages apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells, and has the potential to fight cancer
• improves digestive health and prevents stomach ulcers
• boosts the immune system and improves immune function
• has neuroprotective properties and reduces nerve damage in neurodegenerative autoimmune disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease

What are the Side Effects of Lion's Mane?

Although there’s no research on the side effects of lion’s mane mushroom extract, the centuries of lion’s mane use in traditional Chinese medicine and cooking suggest that there are no side effects to regular lion’s mane use.

However, if you want to err on the side of caution, talk to a medical professional before you start taking lion’s mane mushroom supplements or including this medicinal mushroom into your diet.

What Does Lion's Mane Look Like?

The best way to identify lion's mane mushrooms are the icicle-like teeth hanging from a central stalk.

Due to their unique appearance, it’s easy to identify lion’s mane mushrooms. When in its prime, this functional mushroom looks like a white ball covered in shaggy spines.

The spines, which resemble the mane of a lion (hence the name), are short while the fungus is young, but grow to about two inches long when these adaptogenic mushrooms are ready for consumption.

As they age, lion’s mane mushrooms discolor and turn slightly yellow. If the mushroom is slightly yellow, it's still safe to eat.

However, once it turns orange, Hericium erinaceus is past its prime. If you find an orange lion’s mane, you should leave it on the tree so it can produce spores as it decays.

When and Where to Forage for Lion’s Mane?

Lion’s mane mushrooms grow on hardwood trees and dead logs. You can find wild lion’s mane growing on hardwood logs and living trees (mostly beech, maple, and oak trees). They prefer cooler climates (65-70° F), and their natural habitat is usually a lush forest in the northern part of Europe, Asia, and North America.

Lion’s mane mushrooms are at their prime in the late summer and fall. Therefore, if you plan on foraging, it’s best to do so from August to November. 

Due to their popularity, it's easy to find lion’s mane in farmer’s markets and online stores, and you can even buy a kit and grow lion’s mane at home.

Does Lion’s Mane Mushroom Have Any Look-alikes?

Lion’s mane has a unique appearance, so it's easy to differentiate it from other types of mushrooms. However, an inexperienced forager may not be able to tell the difference between Hericium erinaceus and other Hericium species.

People often confuse lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) for Hericium americanum (bears head tooth fungi) and Hericium coralloides (coral tooth mushroom) when foraging lion’s mane. Some say the appearance of the lion’s mane mushroom resembles the hen of the woods (maitake) fungus when past its prime.

Luckily, all of these Hericium varieties are non-poisonous, which makes the lion’s mane mushroom a great choice for a beginning forager.

Can You Eat Lion's Mane Mushrooms Raw?

Yes, you can eat lion’s mane raw, but you may not like the spongy texture of the mushroom. While lion’s mane can be delicious when cooked (the taste of Hericium erinaceus resembles lobster or crab meat) its flavor is subpar without seasoning.

Luckily, it’s easy to cook and eat lion’s mane, as you can add it to a mushroom risotto, make lion’s mane pasta, or use it as a vegan seafood alternative (for example, a lion’s mane mushroom recipe for crab cake is a must-try).

Are You Interested in Trying Lion’s Mane?

If you want to experience the many benefits lion’s mane mushrooms provide but wild foraging isn’t quite your speed, our adaptogenic mushroom granola may be perfect for you.

In a breakfast granola bowl, you get a hyperconcentrated lion’s mane extract, as well as cordyceps and chaga mushroom extracts.

The granola is gluten-free, vegan, and contains the lowest amount of added sugar on the market. What more can you ask for in a morning bowl of cereal?

Lion’s Mane FAQ

Can lion's mane mushrooms get you high?

No, lion’s mane can’t get you high. Mushrooms that can cause a high contain a compound called psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic that can alter your state of mind.

As lion’s mane doesn’t contain psilocybin or other psychoactive compounds, there is no risk of you getting high from consuming these medicinal mushrooms.

Does lion's mane increase testosterone?

Yes, lion’s mane seems to increase testosterone levels, especially in people who naturally have lower levels of testosterone. Many medicinal mushrooms have the potential to improve testosterone levels in the body, which could lead to muscle growth and an increase in overall energy.

Is lion's mane addictive?

No, lion’s mane mushrooms are not addictive, even if taken every day. Even if you’re taking high doses of lion’s mane, you won’t experience any side effects or withdrawal symptoms once you stop taking it, although you’ll also stop reaping its benefits.

How quickly does lion's mane work?

That depends on what you’re taking the mushroom for. You can notice the short-term effects of lion’s mane after just a few days.

You’ll likely feel less anxious and more energized within the first two weeks of taking a lion’s mane mushroom extract.

However, to reap the long-term benefits of lion’s mane, such as its antioxidant activities, you should be taking it consistently for at least a few months.

How much lion's mane should I take daily?

The lion’s mane dosage that works for you will differ greatly based on what you use it for. Most people start with a lower dosage (usually 750-1000 mg per day) and work their way up until they are satisfied with the effects these adaptogenic mushrooms provide.

What drugs does lion's mane interact with?

There are no studies on the effects of lion’s mane mushrooms on medication. However, due to the antiplatelet and antihyperglycemic effects of the fungus, you should use it with caution if you’re on antidiabetics or medication that slows blood clotting.

Can I grow lion’s mane mushrooms at home?

Yes, you can grow lion’s mane mushrooms at home. Thanks to many mushroom growing kits available on the market, growing mushrooms yourself has never been easier. In addition to growing lion’s mane with a growing kit, you can also do so with a commercially made substrate, or by making your own lion’s mane spawn.

Is lion’s mane mushroom poisonous?

No, the lion’s mane fungus is not poisonous. All varieties of Hericium mushrooms are non-poisonous and can be eaten raw or cooked.

What part of a lion’s mane mushroom is edible?

The entire fruit body of the lion’s mane mushroom is edible. You can eat both store-bought lion’s mane and wild mushrooms raw, dried, or cooked. Drying mushrooms can preserve them for longer, and you can also grind dried lion’s mane into a mushroom powder. Alternatively, try one of the many delicious lion’s mane recipes, such as our lion’s mane crab cake recipe.

Is there a poisonous mushroom that looks like lion’s mane?

There are no poisonous or deadly mushrooms that look like lion’s mane or are a close relative of this mushroom. All lion’s mane look-alikes are safe to consume, which makes this fungus incredibly safe to forage. Of course, if you are new to foraging, a wild foraged mushroom identification guide can help you distinguish lion’s mane from other fungi.

Forij Disclaimer

This article was written strictly for informational purposes and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or give medical advice. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).