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Hydnum repandum, commonly known as the sweet tooth or wood hedgehog, is an edible mushroom characterized by its tooth-like spines on the underside of the cap instead of gills. It is found in Europe, Asia, and North America, often in deciduous or coniferous forests.
How to Identify
- Cap
- The cap is usually convex to irregular in shape, ranging from 3 to 15 cm in diameter. The color varies from whitish to cream, pale orange, or light tan. The surface is dry and smooth, often becoming wavy or lobed with age.
- Gills
- Instead of gills, Hydnum repandum has closely packed, brittle spines or teeth that hang down from the underside of the cap. These spines are typically 2-7 mm long and decurrent (running down the stem).
- Stem
- The stem is short, stout, and often off-center. It is typically 3-10 cm long and 1-3 cm thick. The color is similar to the cap, whitish to pale tan. The surface is smooth and dry.
- Flesh
- The flesh is thick, firm, and brittle. It is whitish to pale yellowish. In older specimens, the flesh can become bitter or peppery.
- Fruiting body
- The fruiting body is typically medium-sized, with a cap and stem. The most distinctive feature is the presence of spines or teeth on the underside of the cap, rather than gills or pores.
- Habitat
- Hydnum repandum is found in deciduous and coniferous forests. It is a mycorrhizal fungus, forming symbiotic relationships with trees. It typically fruits in late summer and autumn.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Dry, smooth, often wavy or lobed.
- Growth Form: Solitary or in small groups.
- Spore Print: White to cream.
- Body color: Whitish to cream, pale orange, or light tan.
- Odor: Mild, pleasant.
- Flesh bruises: Not typically bruising.
- Height: 3-10 cm
- Cap Diameter: 3-15 cm
- Nutrient gathering: Mycorrhizal.
Safe
SafeHydnum repandum is generally considered edible and non-toxic. However, some individuals may experience gastrointestinal upset. Older specimens can sometimes have a bitter taste.
Quick Check
- Odor: Mild and pleasant, sometimes described as fruity or nutty.
- Fruiting: Late summer to autumn.
- Substrate: Grows on the ground in deciduous and coniferous forests.
Where to Find
Europe
Common in deciduous and coniferous forests throughout Europe.
Asia
Found in various forest types in Asia.
North America
Occurs in both deciduous and coniferous forests, particularly in the Pacific Northwest and eastern regions.
Finding Tips
Look Under Trees
Search in areas with oak, beech, or pine trees, as these are common mycorrhizal partners.
Check in Late Summer/Autumn
These mushrooms typically fruit in late summer and autumn after rainfall.
Inspect the Underside of Caps
Identify by the presence of tooth-like spines instead of gills.
Similar Species
Hydnum umbilicatum
Hydnum
Also known as: Depressed Hedgehog Mushroom
Hydnum rufescens
Hydnum
Also known as: Orange Hedgehog Mushroom
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Cantharellales
- Family
- Hydnaceae
- Genus
- Hydnum
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: 2
- Freezing duration: 3 months
- Min Temperature: -18
- Refrigeration: 1 week
How to Clean
Clean Hydnum repandum by gently brushing off any dirt or debris. Avoid soaking in water, as they can become waterlogged. A soft brush or a dry cloth works best.
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