Where do the many names of lion's mane come from?

The species name of Hericium erinaceus is from the Latin word erinaceus, meaning “hedgehog”. This name was first proposed by the scientist Bulliard, likely in reference to the cascading spines of lion’s mane, which resemble a hedgehog's quills. This resemblance is also reflected in various common names for lion’s mane, including the German name “Igel-Stachelbart” (hedgehog quill), and some English common names such as “bearded hedgehog” and “hedgehog mushroom”.^[1]

In Japan, lion’s mane is known as “yamabushitake”, which means “mountain priest”. This name originates from the traditional consumption of the mushroom by Japanese mountain monks known as “yamabushi”. In China, the mushroom goes by the name “猴頭菇” (Houtougu), which means "monkey head mushroom", reflecting its distinctive appearance.^[1]