How to identify Terracotta Hedgehog

To correctly identify Terracotta Hedgehog (Hydnum rufescens), 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 of Hydnum rufescens ranges from 2 to 10 cm (0.8 to 4 inches) in diameter, though usually 3-7 cm. It is typically convex when young, becoming plano-convex to somewhat depressed or irregular with age. The margin is often wavy or lobed, and sometimes slightly inrolled when young. The surface is dry, finely velvety or felted, becoming smoother with age, and typically lacks scales. The color is a key distinguishing feature, ranging from reddish-orange, terracotta, rufous, to apricot-orange, often with a slightly paler margin. It does not typically stain or bruise significantly.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   Instead of gills, Hydnum rufescens possesses soft, brittle, downward-pointing spines or 'teeth' on the underside of the cap. These spines are typically 2-6 mm long, concolorous with the cap or slightly paler, and detach easily. They are decurrent, extending down the stem.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   The stem is 2-7 cm (0.8 to 2.8 inches) long and 0.5-2 cm (0.2 to 0.8 inches) thick, often central but can be eccentric. It is solid, firm, and cylindrical or slightly tapering towards the base. The surface is smooth or finely pruinose, and its color is usually concolorous with the cap or slightly paler, often whitish towards the base. It does not have a ring or volva.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   The flesh is firm, brittle, and whitish to pale yellowish or orangish, especially under the cap cuticle. It does not change color significantly when cut or bruised. The odor is mild and pleasant, sometimes described as slightly fruity or mushroomy. The taste is mild, not bitter.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   The fruiting body is typically solitary to scattered, sometimes gregarious, but rarely truly clustered. It consists of a cap, a central or eccentric stem, and a distinctive toothed hymenium.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Hydnum rufescens is a mycorrhizal fungus, forming symbiotic relationships with various tree species, primarily conifers (e.g., pine, spruce, fir) and broadleaf trees (e.g., oak, beech). It grows terrestrially, often scattered or in small groups, in mossy areas, leaf litter, or directly on soil in coniferous, deciduous, or mixed woodlands. It prefers well-drained, often acidic soils.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Dry, finely velvety to felted, becoming smoother

Growth Form

Solitary to scattered or gregarious

Spore Print

White to pale cream

Body color

Reddish-orange, terracotta, rufous, apricot-orange

Odor

Mild, pleasant

Flesh bruises

No significant bruising or color change

Height

2-7 cm

Cap Diameter

2-10 cm

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Decurrent spines (teeth)
• Stem shape: Cylindrical or slightly tapering towards base
• Stem surface: Smooth or finely pruinose
• Ring: Absent
• Stem cross-section: Solid

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