The Hericiaceae are a family of toothed or hydnoid basidiomycetes in the Russulales, characterised by their soft, fleshy fruitbodies that produce hymenial spines instead of gills or pores. Basidiomes are typically white to cream, sometimes becoming yellowish with age, and may be branched, effused-reflexed, or forming compact masses depending on the genus.

Basidiomes are typically branched, coral-like, or forming compact masses with long, hanging teeth that give the group its characteristic “icicle fungus” appearance.