Frozen in time …
Despite its soft, almost ghostly colouration and ethereal appearance, the Bearded Tooth Hericium erinaceus is one of the most captivating fungi to be found in woodlands. Its long, hanging spines resemble a frozen waterfall, giving it a look that is at once delicate and otherworldly. Beyond its visual charm, these spines are cleverly designed to release spores efficiently, helping this rare slow-growing fungus spread within its preferred habitats.
H. erinaceus usually grows on dead or weakened hardwood trees, especially mature beech and oak. It favors the calm, stable environment of ancient woodland, where fallen and decaying timber provides both a home and a source of nourishment. Found mainly in southern England and eastern Wales, its populations are scattered and rare, reflecting the specific conditions it needs to thrive and the pressures on its woodland homes.
Across Europe, H. erinaceus faces threats from the loss of old trees, changing forest management, and the decline of veteran woodland habitats. In the UK, it enjoys the highest level of legal protection for a fungus, being one of just four non-lichen fungi listed on Schedule 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. It is also a priority species under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. The Bearded Tooth is more than just a striking woodland spectacle; it is a quiet guardian of forest continuity, a reminder of the beauty and fragility of our natural world.
References:
Buczacki, S., Shields, C. and Ovenden, D. (2012). Collins Fungi Guide: The most complete field guide to the mushrooms and toadstools of Britain & Ireland. London: HarperCollins, p. 470, fig. p. 471.
O’Reilly, P. (2016). Fascinated by Fungi – exploring the majesty and mystery, facts and fantasy of the quirkiest kingdom on earth. Llandysul: First Nature, p. 233.
Phillips, R. (2006). Mushrooms. London: Pan Macmillan, p. 327, fig. e.
Sterry, P. and Hughes. B. (2009). Collins Complete Guide to British Mushrooms and Toadstools. London: HarperCollins, p. 280, fig. p. 281.
https://www.first-nature.com/fungi/hericium-erinaceus.php [Accessed, 4th December 2025].