Bear's Head (Hericium spp.)
Rarity: Noticeable when it appears, but still rare enough to seem like a gift of the forest.
Hericium is a genus of wood‑loving mushrooms distinguished by long, drooping spines (often likened to icicles) instead of caps. Among these, Hericium abietis (the bear’s head fungus) is one of the more common species in the Pacific Northwest, growing on decaying conifer logs (especially fir and hemlock). Its spines start white and age to yellowish tones. It is edible and prized by mushroom foragers.
Ecological Role
Hericium species are saprotrophic, breaking down the wood of dead or dying trees and returning nutrients to the forest.
Because Hericium depends on dead wood, its presence often signals a forest with structural complexity, fallen logs, and continuity of habitat. It contributes to decay, soil formation, and habitat for smaller organisms.