lion's-mane mushroom

Native to North America and Eurasia, the mushrooms are common during late summer and autumn on hardwoods, particularly American beech and maple. It is typically considered saprophytic, as it mostly feeds on dead trees. It can also be found on living trees, usually in association with a wound.

It is an edible mushroom and used in traditional Chinese medicine. It is generally safe to eat, but its medicinal effectiveness, safety in supplements, and active compounds are unproven.