Overview
Hericium coralloides is a saprotrophic fungus, commonly known as coral tooth fungus or comb coral mushroom.
Description
The fruiting body is across, whitish, and heavily branched and toothed. Both the flesh and the spore print are white.
Similar species
It resembles Hericium abietis and H. erinaceus.
Distribution and habitat
It is found throughout North America, Eurasia and Australia, growing on dead hardwood trees. It can be found from July to October in the east and November to March in the west.
Uses
The species is edible and good when young, but as it ages the branches and hanging spines become brittle and turn a light shade of yellowish brown.