Fauna
Fungus

Scaly Hedgehog Mushroom

Sarcodon imbricatus

Also known as Shingled Hedgehog, Scaly Tooth, Shingled Tooth, Scaly Cap

Scaly hedgehog mushrooms produce massive, funnel-shaped caps covered in dark, coarse scales arranged like shingles on a roof. Instead of traditional gills underneath, dense grey spines drop downwards to release brown spores into passing woodland breezes. These striking fungi form mutualistic mycorrhizal partnerships underground with mature coniferous trees, particularly spruce and pine.

Tooth FungusMycorrhizalForest Dweller
Scaly Hedgehog Mushroom reference1 / 7
(c) Jerzy Opioła, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyMycorrhizal (symbiotic with tree roots)
Predators
  • Slugs
  • Fungus Gnat Larvae
  • Red Squirrels
ThreatsForest clear-cutting and soil compaction
HabitatsConiferous and mixed coniferous forests
Life spanFruiting bodies persist 2–4 weeks
Classification
  1. FamilyBankeraceae
  2. SpeciesSarcodon imbricatus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Many edible mushrooms have toxic look-alikes; never eat wild fungi based on app identification alone.
Responsible observation
  • Look Beneath: Check the cap underside to see delicate, soft grey teeth instead of gills or pores.
  • Examine the Scales: Note the raised, concentric dark brown scales on top of the cap surface.
  • Respect the Habitat: Avoid disturbing forest leaf litter and root systems where mycelium grows.
Related species
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