Sarcodon squamosus

What You Should Know

Sarcodon squamosus is a large species that can be distinguished by its brown to the vinaceous scaly cap, grey to brown spines. It grows particularly with pines, solitary or in scattered groups, on the soil in coniferous woods.

Some people have used this mushroom to prepare dyes. It was the difference in color between the dye of Sarcodon squamosus and Sarcodon imbricatus that alerted mycologists to the separation of these similar species.

Sarcodon squamosus is a priority species for conservation in Scotland and has a Biodiversity Action Plan along with several other stemmed tooth fungi.

Other names: Scaly Tooth.

Sarcodon squamosus Mushroom Identification

1. Cap

   A pale brown background covered with dark purple-brown overlapping scales (erect but not recurved), larger near the center; convex then irregularly flattish with an undulating margin, usually developing a shallow central depression; 6 to 18cm across.

2. Spines

   The fertile undersurface of the cap of a Sarcodon mushroom is covered with spines 4 to 10mm long, white or pale buff, turning purple-brown with age.

   Just as with most boletes, the fertile layer of Sarcodon fungi can be separated easily from the rest of the cap flesh, which is said to be edible but rather bitter in taste.

3. Stem

   White, becoming brown at maturity; centrally positioned; 4 to 8cm long, 1 to 3cm dia. The stem flesh is white throughout.

4. Spores

   Irregularly sperical or sub-globose, 6.5-8 x 5-6µm; ornamented with prominent warts.

5. Spore Print

   Brown.

6. Odor and Taste

   Odor not significant; taste slightly bitter.

7. Habitat & Ecological Role

   Mycorhizal with pines.

Sarcodon squamosus Look-Alikes

1. Sarcodon scabrosus

   Has a steely blue-gray stem base and its cap spines are often noticeably recurved.

2. Sarcodon imbricatus

   Associated with spruce.

Sources:

Photo 1 - Author: Ryane Snow (snowman) (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported)

Photo 2 - Author: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International)

Photo 3 - Author: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International)

Photo 4 - Author: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International)

Photo 5 - Author: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International)