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Lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus)
katunchik · CC BY 4.0
Edible species

Lion’s mane

Hericium erinaceus · Hericiaceae

Lion's mane is a tooth fungus with no cap or gills: a single white clump of dangling spines more than 1 cm long.

FamilyHericiaceae
SeasonAug–Nov
Spore printWhite
Cap width5–40 cm
Records in Turkey7 records
CultivationGrows at home
StatusEdible species

Lion's mane is a tooth fungus with no cap or gills: a single white clump of dangling spines more than 1 cm long. Cooked, its texture is often compared to lobster, which makes it a favourite with chefs. It is used in traditional Chinese medicine, but its effectiveness and its safety as a supplement are unproven.

Also called: bearded tooth fungus, bearded hedgehog, yamabushitake, monkey head mushroom Turkish: Aslan yelesi, aslan yelesi mantarı

Lion’s mane

How to recognise it

Lion’s mane, part by part

No ring or volva Spore print: White Not distinctive.

Cap — Lion’s mane
CapNo cap; an irregular round white mass 5–40 cm across, yellowing to tan with age.
Spines — Lion’s mane
SpinesInstead of gills or pores, crowded hanging spines 1–5 cm long.
StemNo real stem; attached to the wood by a short base.

When and where

Aug–Nov

  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar
  4. Apr
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Augin season
  9. Sepin season
  10. Octin season
  11. Novin season
  12. Dec

Lion's mane fruits from August to November in Europe (from July in Britain). In Turkey, GBIF records fall in June, September and October.

Where does lion's mane grow?

Lion's mane grows in wounds on old broadleaf trees (especially beech and oak, also maple) and on stumps and fallen trunks. It has been seen fruiting on and off on the same dead tree for 20 years.

In Turkey

Lion's mane is rarely recorded in Turkey. It is red-listed in several European countries, so if you find one in the wild, photograph it rather than pick it.

  • İstanbul5
  • Muğla1
  • Kastamonu1

7 observations on our map (GBIF, iNaturalist). Record density also reflects where observers work.

Latest lion's mane observations

See on the map

In its habitat — Lion’s mane
In its habitat
In its habitat — Lion’s mane
In its habitat

Look-alikes

What could it be confused with?

Edible species

Coral tooth fungus Hericium coralloides

Same genus; branches like coral instead of forming one clump, with shorter spines.

Edible species

Bear's head tooth Hericium americanum

Spines hang from several branches; a North American species.

In the kitchen

Cooking with lion's mane

Mains Lion's mane mushroom steaks Thick slabs of lion's mane, pressed dry under a weight, seared until crisp and basted with garlic and thyme butter. Ready in 30 minutes. 30 min Lion's mane mushroom

What goes well with lion's mane

  • olive oil
  • butter
  • garlic
  • thyme
  • lemon
  • chilli flakes or flaky sea salt

The ingredients in our recipe with lion's mane.

Storing lion's mane

Fresh · fridge3–7 daysKeep fresh lion's mane unwashed in a paper bag in the fridge; delicate species are at the short end. Source
FrozenA few monthsFreeze lion's mane cooked, not raw: sauté and cool them first. Source
DriedA few months – 1 yearKeep dried lion's mane in an airtight jar in a cool, dry, dark place. Source

How to store mushrooms: the full guide →

What it contains

Lion's mane contains polysaccharides such as beta-glucan, plus hericenones and erinacines. These compounds are being researched; no effect on human health has been proven. Source

General information, not a health claim.

Grow it, buy it

Lion's mane price list

Waiting list

Lion’s mane tea

Hericium erinaceus

A dried lion's mane blend; a soft, faintly sweet brew.

Waiting list

Lion’s mane capsules

Hericium erinaceus

Lion's mane extract under our own label, once approval is through.

Lion's mane price list
ProductUsMarket (sourced, dated)
Lion's mane grow kit · SmallComing soon · waiting list—
Lion's mane grow kit · LargeComing soon · waiting list—
Lion's mane grow kit · MegaComing soon · waiting list—
Fresh lion's maneIn preparation · notify me—
Dried lion's maneIn preparation · notify me—
Lion's mane teaComing soon · waiting list—
Lion's mane capsules (food supplement)Coming soon · waiting list1.950,00 ₺ Vitallin (narecza.com) · 60 tablets containing lion's mane (food supplement) · 26 Oct 2026

Our prices for lion's mane are published when the product is ready; for now we take waiting-list sign-ups. The market column shows prices seen on other sellers' pages on the date given; they are not our prices and may have changed.

Grow kits → How to grow →

Frequently asked questions

Is lion's mane edible?

Yes, lion's mane is an edible species. Eat a wild one only after an expert has identified it with certainty.

When is lion's mane season in Turkey?

In our calendar, lion's mane season runs Aug–Nov. Lion's mane fruits from August to November in Europe (from July in Britain). In Turkey, GBIF records fall in June, September and October.

Where does lion's mane grow?

Lion's mane grows in wounds on old broadleaf trees (especially beech and oak, also maple) and on stumps and fallen trunks. It has been seen fruiting on and off on the same dead tree for 20 years.

Where is lion's mane found in Turkey?

Lion's mane is rarely recorded in Turkey. It is red-listed in several European countries, so if you find one in the wild, photograph it rather than pick it.

What can lion's mane be confused with?

Lion's mane can be confused with coral tooth fungus (Hericium coralloides, edible species) and Bear's head tooth (Hericium americanum, edible species). Look-alikes are compared on this page.

What is lion's mane called in Turkish?

In Turkish, lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus) is called Aslan yelesi; other local names include aslan yelesi mantarı.

Related species

All species → · Identify by photo →

Sources (4)
Photo credits (10)