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Upcoming Events | Meet the Instructors | Plant Archive | Mushroom Archive
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The Scaly Hedgehog (Sarcodon imbricatus) is an edible, but often bitter mushroom that can be found July-November. It grows in the ground near water or in hilly areas. The mushroom is often found growing near conifers, especially spruce.
The scaly hedgehog, also known as “Hawk’s wing”, has raised brownish scales on its cap. Under the cap, there are tan-colored teeth. Spore print is brown.
The scaly hedgehog can have an earthy flavor and meaty texture. However, it is often bitter when found growing east of the Rocky Mountains. Younger specimens are less likely to be bitter. The taste and spit method can be used to determine if your mushroom is bitter.
If your mushroom is not bitter, the stem should be removed and the cap can be sautéed, grilled, or added to soup. The mushroom can also be dried for future use.
The scaly hedgehog may be confused with the also edible but often bitter Sarcodon scabrosus which has a more reddish cap with scales that are not raised.
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Written by Amy Demers, founder of the Connecticut Foraging Club. To learn more about foraging in Connecticut, check out our upcoming classes.
