How to Identify Hedgehog Mushrooms

Mushroom lovers classify the Hedgehog mushroom (Hydnum repandum) as a choice edible mushroom in the tooth fungus family, none of which are poisonous. Identify the Hedgehog mushroom, also known as the Sweet Tooth Mushroom, by characteristics of size, shape, color and especially the fleshy bristles on the underside of the cap.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Look for Hedgehog mushrooms on the ground throughout North America in moist woodlands from July until the first heavy frost.

2. Note the size and shape. The irregularly-shaped round cap of Hedgehog mushrooms range from 5/8 to 6 inches in diameter, on top of a 1- to 4-inch solid stalk.

3. Observe the color. The cap is orange to brownish in color. The top of the larger caps of the Hydnum repandum looks just like a pancake.

4. Look underneath the cap. Notice short whitish teeth hanging down like short bristles on a brush. As you handle Hedgehog mushrooms, these tend to rub off.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a soft bristled paint brush to whisk away bugs and debris from Hedgehog mushrooms.
• Fry Hedgehog mushrooms in butter with onions and a splash of dry sherry.
• Be sure the Hedgehog mushroom cap has teeth underneath. Other look-alikes without teeth may be poisonous.
• Always be sure of your location in the woods so you won't get lost while focused on finding the delicious Hydnum repandum mushrooms.

Resources

• Pictures and description at Mushroom Expert
• Pictures and description at First Nature
• General description of toothed mushrooms

[vallain]

on 7/14/2008 I'll have to look for these. My folks collect and eat inky cap mushrooms.