Science & Nature • Fungus

Lion's mane mushroom

Lion's mane mushroom is the common name for *Hericium erinaceus*, an edible fungus in the family Hericiaceae and order Russulales.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Lion's mane mushroom is the common name for *Hericium erinaceus*, an edible fungus in the family Hericiaceae. It is known for its white, shaggy, spine-like fruiting body and is found on hardwood trees in temperate forests of the Northern Hemisphere. The mushroom is consumed as food and marketed as a dietary supplement, though human evidence for many health claims remains limited.

Taxonomy and naming

Lion's mane mushroom is the common name for *Hericium erinaceus*, a tooth fungus in the family Hericiaceae. The name refers to its long, white spines that resemble a lion's mane.

Description and habitat

The mushroom forms a white, shaggy fruiting body with hanging spines. It typically grows on dead or aging hardwood trees in temperate forests, especially beech and oak.

Uses and culinary value

Lion's mane is eaten raw, dried, or cooked and is used in East Asian cuisine. It is also sold in powders, capsules, and extracts as a dietary supplement.

Traditional and modern research

The species has been used in traditional medicine systems, particularly in East Asia. Scientific studies have investigated bioactive compounds and potential neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, but evidence in humans is still limited.

Key facts

*Hericium erinaceus* is the species most commonly called lion's mane mushroom.
It is an edible mushroom with a distinctive white, pom-pom-like or shaggy appearance.
The fungus grows on hardwood trees, often beech and oak, and can be found in temperate forests.
It has a long history of use in East Asian traditional medicine.
Modern research has examined possible effects on cognition, nerve growth, inflammation, and gastrointestinal health, but human clinical evidence remains limited.

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Canadian context

Lion's mane mushroom is sold in Canadian grocery stores, specialty food shops, and supplement markets, and it is also of interest to Canadian foragers and home cultivators.

Frequently asked questions

What is lion's mane mushroom?

Lion's mane mushroom is the common name for *Hericium erinaceus*, an edible fungus known for its white, shaggy appearance.

Where does it grow?

It grows on dead or older hardwood trees, especially in temperate forests of the Northern Hemisphere.

Is lion's mane mushroom edible?

Yes. It is widely described as an edible mushroom and is used in cooking.

What is it used for?

It is used as food and is also marketed in supplements for cognitive, immune, and digestive health claims.

Are its health benefits proven?

Some studies are promising, but human evidence is not yet strong enough to confirm many of the claimed benefits.

What does it look like?

It has a white fruiting body with long, dangling spines that resemble a lion's mane.

References

Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/science/lions-mane-mushroom
Supports: Scientific name, edibility, taxonomy, and habitat
National Institutes of Health / PubMed Central — https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12030463/
Supports: Bioactive compounds and discussed health-related research
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center — https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/lions-mane-mushroom
Supports: Description, growth on hardwood trees, culinary and supplement uses, traditional medicine history
Medical News Today — https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323400
Supports: General description, uses, and limited human evidence for health claims
WebMD — https://www.webmd.com/diet/what-are-the-health-benefits-of-lions-mane-mushrooms
Supports: Edibility, uses, and caution that human research remains limited