Hedgehog Tooth Fungus Named Mushroom of the Year 2026

The rare Hedgehog Tooth Fungus (Hericium erinaceus) has been selected as the Mushroom of the Year for 2026 by the German Mycology Society. This unique fungus is categorized as endangered, and its natural populations are under threat. The species, known by various names including Yamabushitake, Lion's Mane, Pom-Pom Blanc, and Monkey Head Mushroom, is subject to conservation efforts to protect its wild habitats.

This fungus is gaining traction not only as a culinary delight but also for its medicinal properties. Fresh Hedgehog Tooth Mushrooms are sold in gourmet and online markets for prices reaching up to 30 euros per kilogram. Additionally, this mushroom has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine.

The fruiting bodies of the Hedgehog Tooth Fungus are typically whitish to yellowish in color, taking on a knobby shape. They can reach diameters between 10 to 30 centimeters and are characterized by their soft, fluffy spines that give them a shaggy appearance.

This mushroom thrives on decayed wood from old beech and oak trees. Its natural habitat spans across Europe, North and Central America, and East Asia. In Germany, it is predominantly found in nature-rich, deadwood-rich deciduous forests, particularly in the Northeast German lowlands.