
























































Lion's Mane (Hericium Erinaceus) Slant or Agar Plate
This culture, I actually stole from a fancy HEB in the Woodlands. They were charging 45 dollars per fresh pound of these massive, dense balls of Lion’s mane. Of course, I peeled off a $1 chunk from the biggest one in the basket then proceeded to clone it. Long term storage as LC has been proven to be viable for up to at least 3 years with no signs of senescence
This particular culture is extremely fast growing and will produce some perfect looking spheres of Lion’s mane. It also will grow great in vitro. The standard 60/40 hardwood to soybean hulls should suffice just fine.
Lion's Mane typically refers to the Lion's Mane mushroom, scientifically known as Hericium erinaceus. Below is a comprehensive overview of its taxonomy, along with additional classification insights, related species, and naming history.
🔬 Taxonomic Classification of Lion’s Mane Mushroom
🧬 Taxonomic Details and Notes
🔹 Domain: Eukaryota
Organisms with complex cells containing a nucleus.
🔹 Kingdom: Fungi
Heterotrophic organisms, cell walls made of chitin, and reproduce via spores.
🔹 Phylum: Basidiomycota
Produces sexual spores on basidia. Includes most mushrooms, puffballs, and shelf fungi.
🔹 Class: Agaricomycetes
Large group of fungi that form fruiting bodies (mushrooms). Includes gilled mushrooms and tooth fungi like Hericium.
🔹 Order: Russulales
A diverse fungal order. Members can be gilled or toothed. Notable genera: Russula, Lactarius, and Hericium.
🔹 Family: Hericiaceae
Contains only the genus Hericium (sometimes expanded to include similar genera). Known for producing toothed (spiny) fruiting bodies.
🔹 Genus: Hericium
Distinctive for their icicle-like spines. Includes edible and medicinal species. All are saprotrophic (decompose dead wood).
🔹 Species: Hericium erinaceus
Common names: Lion’s Mane, Bearded Tooth Mushroom, Yamabushitake (in Japan).
Features long, white cascading spines.
Grows on hardwood trees, especially American beech.
Notable for culinary use and medicinal properties, especially neuroregenerative effects.
🌍 Distribution & Ecology
Habitat: Decaying hardwood logs, stumps, or wounds on living trees.
Region: Found in North America, Europe, and Asia.
Ecological role: Saprotrophic (decomposes dead trees) and sometimes weakly parasitic.
🧪 Chemical and Medicinal Notes
Bioactive compounds: Hericenones, erinacines
Uses: Studied for:
Nerve growth factor (NGF) stimulation
Cognitive health (memory, focus)
Neuroprotection (possibly aiding Alzheimer’s treatment)
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects
📜 Etymology
Genus “Hericium” comes from Latin hērīcium, meaning “hedgehog,” referencing the spiny fruiting body.
Species “erinaceus” also refers to a hedgehog (same root), hence “hedgehog mushroom” is a literal translation of the Latin name.
🧭 Taxonomic History
First described by Jean Baptiste François (Bull.) in the late 18th century.
Placed in the current genus Hericium by Christian Hendrik Persoon in 1797.
Previously classified under the Hydnum genus, due to the tooth-like hymenophore (spore surface).
🧠 Cognitive & Neurological Benefits
Supports Brain Function: Rich in hericenones and erinacines — compounds that may promote neurogenesis (the growth of new brain cells).
Enhances Memory & Focus: Early studies suggest improved mental clarity, concentration, and memory.
Neuroprotective Properties: May offer protection against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
🩺 Anti-inflammatory & Immune Support
Reduces Inflammation: Contains anti-inflammatory compounds that may ease chronic inflammation.
Boosts Immune Function: Stimulates immune activity, potentially enhancing the body’s natural defense system.
💖 Cardiovascular Health
Promotes Heart Health: May help reduce triglycerides and improve fat metabolism.
Combats Oxidative Stress: Antioxidants protect your blood vessels and organs from free radical damage.
🌿 Digestive & Gut Health
Prebiotic Power: Nourishes healthy gut bacteria, promoting overall digestive wellness.
May Protect Against Ulcers: Has been shown to inhibit H. pylori, a common cause of stomach ulcers.
🧘♂️ Mental Health & Mood Support
Eases Anxiety & Depression: May support mood by encouraging nerve growth and reducing brain inflammation.
Better Sleep & Emotional Balance: Helps regulate the nervous system, promoting restful sleep and inner calm.
🦠 Potential Anti-Cancer Properties
May Inhibit Tumor Growth: Preliminary lab studies show promise in slowing certain cancer cell growth — though more research is needed.
🔬 Note:
Many of these benefits are supported by early-stage research (animal studies, lab experiments, or small-scale human trials). While the results are promising, more clinical evidence is needed to fully confirm these effects.
This culture, I actually stole from a fancy HEB in the Woodlands. They were charging 45 dollars per fresh pound of these massive, dense balls of Lion’s mane. Of course, I peeled off a $1 chunk from the biggest one in the basket then proceeded to clone it. Long term storage as LC has been proven to be viable for up to at least 3 years with no signs of senescence
This particular culture is extremely fast growing and will produce some perfect looking spheres of Lion’s mane. It also will grow great in vitro. The standard 60/40 hardwood to soybean hulls should suffice just fine.
Lion's Mane typically refers to the Lion's Mane mushroom, scientifically known as Hericium erinaceus. Below is a comprehensive overview of its taxonomy, along with additional classification insights, related species, and naming history.
🔬 Taxonomic Classification of Lion’s Mane Mushroom
🧬 Taxonomic Details and Notes
🔹 Domain: Eukaryota
Organisms with complex cells containing a nucleus.
🔹 Kingdom: Fungi
Heterotrophic organisms, cell walls made of chitin, and reproduce via spores.
🔹 Phylum: Basidiomycota
Produces sexual spores on basidia. Includes most mushrooms, puffballs, and shelf fungi.
🔹 Class: Agaricomycetes
Large group of fungi that form fruiting bodies (mushrooms). Includes gilled mushrooms and tooth fungi like Hericium.
🔹 Order: Russulales
A diverse fungal order. Members can be gilled or toothed. Notable genera: Russula, Lactarius, and Hericium.
🔹 Family: Hericiaceae
Contains only the genus Hericium (sometimes expanded to include similar genera). Known for producing toothed (spiny) fruiting bodies.
🔹 Genus: Hericium
Distinctive for their icicle-like spines. Includes edible and medicinal species. All are saprotrophic (decompose dead wood).
🔹 Species: Hericium erinaceus
Common names: Lion’s Mane, Bearded Tooth Mushroom, Yamabushitake (in Japan).
Features long, white cascading spines.
Grows on hardwood trees, especially American beech.
Notable for culinary use and medicinal properties, especially neuroregenerative effects.
🌍 Distribution & Ecology
Habitat: Decaying hardwood logs, stumps, or wounds on living trees.
Region: Found in North America, Europe, and Asia.
Ecological role: Saprotrophic (decomposes dead trees) and sometimes weakly parasitic.
🧪 Chemical and Medicinal Notes
Bioactive compounds: Hericenones, erinacines
Uses: Studied for:
Nerve growth factor (NGF) stimulation
Cognitive health (memory, focus)
Neuroprotection (possibly aiding Alzheimer’s treatment)
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects
📜 Etymology
Genus “Hericium” comes from Latin hērīcium, meaning “hedgehog,” referencing the spiny fruiting body.
Species “erinaceus” also refers to a hedgehog (same root), hence “hedgehog mushroom” is a literal translation of the Latin name.
🧭 Taxonomic History
First described by Jean Baptiste François (Bull.) in the late 18th century.
Placed in the current genus Hericium by Christian Hendrik Persoon in 1797.
Previously classified under the Hydnum genus, due to the tooth-like hymenophore (spore surface).
🧠 Cognitive & Neurological Benefits
Supports Brain Function: Rich in hericenones and erinacines — compounds that may promote neurogenesis (the growth of new brain cells).
Enhances Memory & Focus: Early studies suggest improved mental clarity, concentration, and memory.
Neuroprotective Properties: May offer protection against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
🩺 Anti-inflammatory & Immune Support
Reduces Inflammation: Contains anti-inflammatory compounds that may ease chronic inflammation.
Boosts Immune Function: Stimulates immune activity, potentially enhancing the body’s natural defense system.
💖 Cardiovascular Health
Promotes Heart Health: May help reduce triglycerides and improve fat metabolism.
Combats Oxidative Stress: Antioxidants protect your blood vessels and organs from free radical damage.
🌿 Digestive & Gut Health
Prebiotic Power: Nourishes healthy gut bacteria, promoting overall digestive wellness.
May Protect Against Ulcers: Has been shown to inhibit H. pylori, a common cause of stomach ulcers.
🧘♂️ Mental Health & Mood Support
Eases Anxiety & Depression: May support mood by encouraging nerve growth and reducing brain inflammation.
Better Sleep & Emotional Balance: Helps regulate the nervous system, promoting restful sleep and inner calm.
🦠 Potential Anti-Cancer Properties
May Inhibit Tumor Growth: Preliminary lab studies show promise in slowing certain cancer cell growth — though more research is needed.
🔬 Note:
Many of these benefits are supported by early-stage research (animal studies, lab experiments, or small-scale human trials). While the results are promising, more clinical evidence is needed to fully confirm these effects.