The Fungus known as Bears Head Mushroom or Hericium Americanum is a member of the Hericium Genus (another notable member of that Genus is Lions Mane Mushroom), which is a genus of edible mushrooms that can be found growing naturally across North America and Asia.

This species, much like Lions Mane is renowned as both an excellent culinary mushroom, and a valuable medicinal mushroom. Due to its consistency and taste it can be used as a replacement for seafood in many recipes, and many individuals also take it as a supplement in powdered form. It's also one of the easiest mushroom species to grow, so is GREAT for beginner mushroom growers!

The physical characteristics of this species fruiting bodies are irregular, bulbous, tubercules (the best word to describe "tubercle" would be "blob") which are usually between 5-40cm in diameter, and are dominated by crowded, hanging, spore-producing spines. Fruit bodies and spines colour are white to cream, but can turn yellow-brown when older.

FORMAT INFORMATION

Liquid Culture Syringe Option Includes: 1x Bears Head Liquid Culture Syringe, 1x Sterile 18ga needle, 1x Alcohol Swab.

LIQUID CULTURES SHOULD BE REFRIGERATED, AND ARE VIABLE FOR 2-3 MONTHS.

Agar Culture Option Includes: 1x Bears Head Isolate Agar culture in a 100x15mm Parafilm-wrapped Petri Dish.

AGAR CULTURES ARE VIABLE FOR 1-2 MONTHS.

Master Culture Option Includes: 1x Fully Colonized Bears Head Mushroom Spawn Culture in a 1L polypropylene jar or 3L spawn bag.

MASTER CULTURES SHOULD BE USED UPON RECEIVING.

SPECIES INFORMATION

Natural Habitat: North America, Europe, Asia

Climate: Oceanic, Nordic

Preferred Growing Mediums: Spawning = Grains, Fruiting = Hardwood/Deciduous sawdusts amended with wheat bran/wheat straw/soy meal/corn meal/rice bran.

Spawn Environment: Temperature - 25C, Humidity - 85-90% RH

Fruiting Environment: Temperature - 20C, Humidity - 85-90% RH

Spores: brown, subellipsoid on 4-spored basidia