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Sarcodon imbricatus, commonly known as the Scaly Hedgehog or Scaly Tooth mushroom, is a mycorrhizal fungus characterized by its large size, scaly cap, and tooth-like spines instead of gills. It is typically found in coniferous forests and has a somewhat bitter taste, especially in older specimens.
How to Identify
- Cap
- The cap is typically 5-25 cm in diameter, convex to flattened, and covered in dark brown to grayish-brown scales. The margin is often wavy and irregular.
- Gills
- Instead of gills, it has closely packed, brittle spines or teeth on the underside of the cap. These spines are typically whitish to grayish and decurrent (running down the stem).
- Stem
- The stem is stout, short, and often eccentric (off-center), typically 3-8 cm long and 1-3 cm thick. It is usually the same color as the cap or slightly lighter.
- Flesh
- The flesh is thick and whitish, often bruising brownish when cut or damaged. It can be bitter, especially in older specimens.
- Fruiting body
- The fruiting body is large and fleshy, with a distinctive appearance due to its scales and spines.
- Habitat
- Found in coniferous forests, often under pine or spruce trees. It forms mycorrhizal associations with these trees.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Scaly
- Growth Form: Mycorrhizal
- Spore Print: Brown
- Body color: Brown to grayish-brown
- Odor: Earthy
- Flesh bruises: Brownish
- Height: 3-8 cm
- Cap Diameter: 5-25 cm
- Nutrient gathering: Mycorrhizal
Safe
SafeSarcodon imbricatus is generally considered edible, but it can be bitter, especially in older specimens. It is not known to be toxic, but some individuals may experience gastrointestinal upset.
Quick Check
- Odor: Earthy, sometimes slightly fruity
- Fruiting: Late summer to autumn
- Substrate: Soil, under coniferous trees
Where to Find
Coniferous Forests
Commonly found in coniferous forests, particularly under pine and spruce trees.
Northern Hemisphere
Widely distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere, including North America and Europe.
Finding Tips
Look Under Conifers
Search under pine and spruce trees in late summer and autumn.
Check for Scales and Spines
Identify by the distinctive scaly cap and tooth-like spines instead of gills.
Similar Species
Hydnum repandum
mushroom
Also known as: Wood Hedgehog, Sweet Tooth
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Thelephorales
- Family
- Bankeraceae
- Genus
- Sarcodon
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: 20°C
- Freezing duration: 3 months
- Min Temperature: 2°C
- Refrigeration: 1 week
How to Clean
Clean by brushing off any dirt or debris. The spines can be delicate, so handle with care. Washing is generally not recommended unless necessary.
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