How to identify Bleeding Tooth Fungus

To correctly identify Bleeding Tooth Fungus (Hydnellum peckii), check each of these features in order. Misidentification is the most common cause of mushroom poisoning, so cross-reference multiple sources.

Step-by-step identification

1. 1

   Cap

   Shape, color, surface texture, and diameter.

   The cap is convex to depressed, with a velvety surface when young, becoming more rough and bumpy with age. The color ranges from whitish to brownish, often with reddish or pinkish areas.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   This fungus does not have gills. Instead, it has small, tooth-like spines on the underside of the cap, from which the red liquid exudes.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   The stem is short, thick, and often deformed, with a similar color to the cap.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   The flesh is pale pinkish-brown, tough, and fibrous.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   The fruit body of Hydnellum peckii is irregularly shaped and can grow up to 10 cm (4 in) tall and 7 cm (3 in) wide. Young specimens often 'bleed' a bright red juice.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Hydnellum peckii is a mycorrhizal fungus, forming symbiotic relationships with various coniferous trees. It is typically found in coniferous forests in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Velvety when young, becoming rough and bumpy

Growth Form

Terrestrial

Spore Print

Brown

Body color

Whitish to brownish, often with reddish or pinkish areas

Odor

Earthy or fungal

Flesh bruises

No significant bruising

Height

Up to 10 cm

Cap Diameter

Up to 7 cm

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: No gills; tooth-like spines
• Stem shape: Short, thick, and often deformed
• Stem surface: Similar to cap surface
• Ring: Absent
• Stem cross-section: Solid

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