BASIDIOMYCETES: Aphyllophorales, Hydnaceae

Shingled Hedgehog, Hydnum imbricatum or Sarcodon imbricatum

Basidiomycetes, order: Aphyllophorales, family: Hydnaceae

Height to 4"

Cap is up to 8" wide, convex to flattened and then depressed in the center. Surface is dull brown and covered with rough, dark brown scales, which are sometimes pointed and raised. The stalk is whitish or pale brown and quite short. The underside, spore-producing surface is composed of pale gray spines or needles that descend down the stalk and turn darker with age. Spore print is brown. Shingled Hedgehogs grow on the ground in deciduous or coniferous woodlands throughout North America during the late spring and fall. They are edible but not great. Also known as Scaly Tooth and Scaly Hydnum.