Plant Guide > Mushrooms > Genus Hydnum > Hydnum Caput Ursi

Hydnum Caput Ursi - Bear's Head Hydnum

Hydnum caput-ursi

Bear's-head Hydnum

Plant - White, fleshy.

Branches and Teeth - Short branches covered with awl-shaped teeth of varying length, pointed toward the ground.

Flesh - White when young, creamy when old.

Habitat - On prostrate or standing tree trunks of decaying deciduous trees. Erect, if on the upper side; ascending or pendulous or both, if on the side of the trunk.

The bear's-head hydnum is very variable in form. The essential character is a solid, fleshy body with short protecting branches bearing numerous simple or branched teeth, which may vary in length from one-sixth of an inch to two inches.