3 Common Lion's Mane Look-Alikes (+ How to Identify Them)

What are the most common Lion's Mane mushroom look-alikes? If you're foraging for Lion’s Mane mushrooms, it's crucial to understand which functional mushrooms might confuse you.

Lion’s Mane is a prized edible fungus known for its brain-boosting properties and lobster-like flavor, but it’s not the only white, shaggy mushroom in the forest. In fact, it's often confused for these faux Lion's Mane look-alikes:

• Bear’s Head Tooth (Hericium americanum)

• Comb Tooth Fungus (Hericium coralloides)

• False Lion’s Mane (various non-Hericium species)

While some are edible and share similar traits, others may not be safe to consume. This guide will help you identify these mushrooms confidently and avoid costly mistakes.

• Several mushrooms resemble Lion's Mane, but only a few belong to the same genus, Hericium.

• Identifying features like spine arrangement, branching, and growth location are key to differentiation.

• Foraging safely requires thorough knowledge and cross-referencing with reliable field guides.

Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a white, shaggy fungus that grows in a round, uniform shape. Its hair-like spines, known as teeth, dangle downward, giving it a unique appearance.

It’s typically found growing on hardwood trees like oak, beech, and maple, often appearing in late summer through fall.

• Shape : Round, unbranched, with spines pointing downward.

• Spines : Soft, hair-like, and evenly distributed.

• Color : Pure white when young, turning cream or light brown as it ages.

• Habitat : Found on dead or decaying hardwood, rarely on living trees.

Key Tip: True Hericium mushrooms will always have soft, dangling spines. If the mushroom doesn’t have spines, it’s not Lion’s Mane.

Lion's Mane is a prized find among foragers, but its look-alikes can complicate identification. Let’s dive into the three main contenders.

Bear’s Head Tooth is a close relative of Lion’s Mane and shares many visual similarities. It's often mistaken for Lion’s Mane by beginner foragers.

• Appearance: It has a branched structure with clusters of shaggy spines. Unlike Lion’s Mane, which forms a single, cohesive mass, Bear’s Head Tooth looks more like a shrub.

• Size: Generally larger and more spread out than Lion’s Mane.

• Spines: Longer and slightly uneven compared to Lion’s Mane.

• Color: White when fresh but may yellow with age.

• Habitat: Grows on hardwood trees, often appearing higher on trunks or large branches.

Yes, Bear’s Head Tooth is edible and has a similar flavor to Lion’s Mane, often described as seafood-like. However, its texture can be slightly tougher.

• Key Tip: Look for branching. If the mushroom has distinct arms or clusters, it’s likely Bear’s Head Tooth.

Comb Tooth Fungus, another member of the Hericium genus, is more delicate in appearance than Lion’s Mane. Its coral-like structure makes it both fascinating and distinct.

• Appearance: It has thin, delicate branches covered in short spines. These branches give it a coral-like look, unlike Lion’s Mane’s rounded, shaggy mass.

• Size: Smaller and more compact than Lion’s Mane.

• Spines: Shorter and less dense than those of Lion’s Mane or Bear’s Head Tooth.

• Color: Bright white when fresh, fading to yellow or brown as it ages.

• Habitat: Found on decaying hardwood logs or stumps, typically closer to the forest floor.

Yes, Comb Tooth Fungus is edible and shares a similar flavor profile with other Hericium species. However, its delicate structure can make it tricky to harvest without damaging it.

Key Tip : Check for branching and shorter spines. The coral-like structure is a dead giveaway that it’s Comb Tooth Fungus.

False Lion’s Mane refers to a variety of fungi that may resemble Lion’s Mane at first glance but belong to entirely different genera. These mushrooms are typically not edible and can sometimes be harmful if consumed.

• Appearance: While some may be white or shaggy, they lack the distinct teeth (spines) that define Hericium species.

• Texture: Often slimy, leathery, or brittle instead of soft and shaggy.

• Spines: Absent or poorly defined.

• Habitat: May grow on non-hardwood trees, soil, or even in clusters on grass.

• Toothed Jelly Fungus (Pseudohydnum gelatinosum): Gelatinous texture, grows on wood but lacks true spines.

• Other White Rot Fungi: Various inedible species with white, shaggy appearances.

Most other false Lion's Mane mushrooms are not edible. They often belong to non-Hericium species and may be inedible or harmful. Always verify before consuming.

Mushroom foraging can be incredibly rewarding, but misidentifying a mushroom can lead to serious health risks. Even though Lion’s Mane and its edible look-alikes are generally safe, consuming a misidentified mushroom could result in allergic reactions or gastrointestinal upset.

Some side effects associated with inedible mushroom consumption include:

• Nausea and vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Stomach cramps

• Dizziness or confusion

• Allergic reactions, such as rashes or swelling

To avoid these risks, always double-check identification, consult a field guide, and seek expert advice when uncertain.

• Use a Field Guide: Carry a reliable mushroom identification book.

• Check Multiple Features: Don’t rely on one characteristic alone; look at shape, spines, habitat, and color.

• Photograph and Compare: Take pictures and compare them with reputable online or print resources.

• Consult an Expert: When in doubt, ask a mycologist or experienced forager.

Identifying Lion’s Mane mushrooms and their look-alikes is an essential skill for safe and successful foraging.

While Bear’s Head Tooth and Comb Tooth Fungus are edible and share similarities, false Lion’s Mane mushrooms can pose risks if misidentified.

By carefully examining features like shape, spines, color, and habitat, you can confidently differentiate these mushrooms.

Always use a reliable field guide and consult experts when in doubt. With knowledge and caution, you can enjoy the rewards of mushroom foraging while staying safe.

No poisonous mushrooms closely resemble Lion's Mane. However, misidentifications can lead to consuming inedible or harmful species.

Yes, Bear’s Head Tooth, Comb Tooth Fungus, and some non-Hericium species resemble Lion's Mane.

Bear’s Head Tooth and Comb Tooth Fungus are the most similar.

Other Hericium species, like Bear’s Head Tooth and Comb Tooth Fungus, are close look-alikes.

Yes, various non-Hericium species may mimic Lion’s Mane but lack its key characteristics.

No, Lion’s Mane is legal to forage, grow, and consume in most regions.