The five mushrooms people ask about most: what they look like, what they're known for, how they taste and how people take them.

Lion's mane looks nothing like a typical mushroom. Instead of a cap and stem, it grows as a white cascade of soft spines that hang like icicles, which is how it got its name.
It's the most popular functional mushroom for the brain. People add it to their morning routine for focus and clarity, and it's often paired with coffee.

Reishi is easy to spot thanks to its glossy, lacquered red-brown cap. It's been brewed as a tea for centuries and has a reputation as the calming mushroom.
Most people take reishi in the evening as part of a wind-down routine. Because it tastes bitter, gummies and blends are the easiest way to take it.

Cordyceps militaris grows as slender, bright orange stalks. The version used in supplements today is cultivated, which makes it consistent and widely available.
It's the go-to mushroom for energy and stamina, and it's popular with people who train or want a caffeine-free lift during the day.

Turkey tail gets its name from its fan-shaped, striped brackets that look like a turkey's tail feathers. It's one of the most common mushrooms in forests around the world.
It's one of the most studied mushrooms for immune support, and a popular pick for gut health because of its naturally occurring fibers.

Chaga doesn't look like a mushroom at all. It grows as a black, cracked lump on birch trees, with a rusty orange interior.
It's traditionally brewed as a tea and is known for its antioxidants. Many people use it as a coffee alternative in cold months.
Everything worth knowing about mushrooms. A publication from mushroom.co.