Mushroom I.D.?

[Rainforest]

This is on an aging scrub oak in our yard. I've never seen one quite like it. Does anyone know what it is? It is about the size of man's fist.

[lovelife65]

The hairy mushroom?

This is on an aging scrub oak in our yard. I've never seen one quite like it. Does anyone know what it is? It is about the size of man's fist.

[Jim B.]

I think it is a "Bearded Tooth" . Hericium Erinaceus

[Rainforest]

Weird huh?

[Rainforest]

Thanks much Jim. I lent out my mushroom book - this will give me a place to start.

[Wavelength]

[Rainforest]

Should be good eating if the ladder reaches up there :-).

[JohnRostron]

This is similar, but not identical to the Hedgehog Mushroom we get in the UK. They both have the downward-pointing spikes. The UK species is certainly edible.

John

[Jim B.]

You're welcome, Susan.

[Jim B.]

Weird huh?

Yes. Haven't seen anything close to this around here.

[Rainforest]

Should be excellent eating from what I have read online. Now that the rain has stopped we might be able to get to it.

[Rainforest]

Same family though it grows on trees and in a much different form. I read it is super brain food- sign me up :-). I've only gathered a small handful of hedgehogs this year and they are my absolute favorites.