Hericium coralloides

Hericium coralloides is a saprotrophic fungus, commonly known as coral tooth fungus^[1] or comb coral mushroom.^[2]

Hericium coralloides
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Fungi
Division:	Basidiomycota
Class:	Agaricomycetes
Order:	Russulales
Family:	Hericiaceae
Genus:	Hericium
Species:	H. coralloides
Binomial name
Hericium coralloides (Scop.) Pers.

Hericium coralloides Mycological characteristics
	Teeth on hymenium
	No distinct cap
	Hymenium attachment is not applicable
	Lacks a stipe
	Spore print is white
	Ecology is saprotrophic
	Edibility is edible

Description

The fruiting body is 4–18 centimetres (1+1⁄2–7 in) across, whitish, and heavily branched and toothed. Both the flesh and the spore print are white.^[3]

Similar species

It resembles Hericium abietis and H. erinaceus.^[3]

Distribution and habitat

It is found throughout North America, growing on dead hardwood trees. It can be found from July to October in the east and November to March in the west.^[3]

Uses

The species is edible and good^[4] when young, but as it ages the branches and hanging spines become brittle and turn a light shade of yellowish brown.