Sarah Brown
Hedgehog mushrooms (Hydnum repandum) are a rare variety of wild mushrooms that can be found in Colorado. They are known for their distinctive appearance, with a light brown or peach-orange cap and white, furry spines or teeth under the cap. These mushrooms are highly sought after by foragers due to their unique characteristics and the absence of any toxic look-alikes. While they are considered rare, hedgehog mushrooms can be found in mixed conifer forests composed mainly of spruce and fir above 9,000 feet, typically near a water source. Foraging for mushrooms in Colorado has gained popularity, with enthusiasts seeking a connection to nature and exploring the diverse range of fungi the state has to offer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Hedgehog Mushroom |
| Scientific Name | Hydnum repandum |
| Other Names | Sweet Tooth, Dentium Repandum, Spreading Hedgehog |
| Appearance | Light brown cap with white, furry spines underneath; peach-orange or pink-orange caps with cream-colored teeth and stems |
| Taste | Similar to chanterelles but more peppery and savory |
| Smell | Mildly sweet |
| Seasonality | Summer and sometimes fall |
| Habitat | Mixed conifer forests with spruce, fir, and aspens above 9,000 ft near water sources |
| Edibility | Edible and choice edible |
| Abundance | Rare, usually found in small quantities |
| Foraging Difficulty | Easy to identify, suitable for novice foragers, no toxic look-alikes |
| Climate Change Impact | Hot summers and dry winters may negatively impact mushroom foraging |
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What You'll Learn
Hedgehog mushrooms are rare but found in Colorado
Hedgehog mushrooms, scientifically known as Hydnum repandum, are rare but can be found in Colorado. They are easy to identify and don't have any toxic look-alikes, making them a great choice for novice mushroom foragers. Their caps are a peach-orange or light brown colour, and their stems and teeth are a slightly lighter shade of peach or white. They have a mildly sweet smell and a peppery, savoury flavour similar to chanterelles.
Hedgehog mushrooms grow in patches, often under old decaying logs or in mixed conifer forests composed mainly of spruce and fir above 9,000 feet near a water source. They are fragile and can easily break apart, so it's important to be careful when collecting them. Once you find a patch of hedgehog mushrooms, you can usually return to the same spot year after year to find more.
Mushroom foraging is a popular activity in Colorado, and the state is known for hosting a wide variety of mushrooms. However, experts warn that climate change could spoil the fungi, with hot summers and dry winters negatively impacting the magic of mushroom foraging. Despite this threat, the interest in mycology and fungi in Colorado continues to grow, with people discovering the medicinal properties and mental health benefits of various mushroom species.
Overall, while hedgehog mushrooms are rare, they can be found in Colorado by diligent mushroom foragers who are willing to put in the time and effort to seek them out in their preferred habitats.
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They have distinctive features and are easy to identify
Hedgehog mushrooms (Hydnum repandum) are indeed found in Colorado. They have distinctive features and are easy to identify. They have small, delicate teeth as their spore-bearing structures, rather than gills, and their caps are a lovely peach-orange or light brown colour, with the stems and teeth a slightly lighter shade of peach or cream. Their flesh bruises darker after a short time, and they smell mildly sweet. Their flavour is similar to chanterelles but a little more peppery and savoury.
Hedgehog mushrooms are a great choice for novice mushroom foragers because they have no toxic look-alikes. They tend to grow in patches, so once you find one, you can usually find more. They also stand well in the woods without spoiling, drying up rather than rotting.
Hedgehogs are fragile and can easily break apart, so take care when picking them. They often grow under old decaying logs, so you may need to get your hands dirty and pick them by hand. When picking, try to get your fingers to the stem to prevent breaking their caps as you wiggle them free.
Hedgehog mushrooms are usually found in mixed conifer forests composed mainly of spruce and fir above 9,000 ft, near a water source such as a mountain stream.
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They grow in patches and are found near water sources
Hedgehog mushrooms (Hydnum repandum) are indeed found in Colorado. They are considered rare, but they grow in patches and are found near water sources. They are easy to identify and don't have any toxic look-alikes, making them an excellent choice for novice mushroom foragers. Their caps are a lovely peach-orange colour, and the stems and teeth are a slightly lighter shade of peach. Their flesh bruises darker after a short time, and they have a mildly sweet smell. Their flavour is similar to chanterelles but with a peppery and savoury twist.
Hedgehog mushrooms are fragile and can easily break apart, so it's important to be careful when picking them. They often grow under old decaying logs, so you might need to get creative with your picking technique. Slicing them at the soil level and then brushing away any debris from the stems and caps is a good approach. You're likely to get dirt on the teeth of the mushrooms, but it's best to avoid cleaning them until you're out of the forest to prevent damage.
In Colorado, hedgehog mushrooms are typically found in mixed conifer forests composed mainly of spruce and fir above 9,000 feet. They fruit near water sources, such as mountain streams or ephemeral runoff that only flows during heavy rain and snowmelt. Once you find a patch of hedgehog mushrooms, you can usually return to the same spot year after year to find more.
While mushroom foraging in Colorado is gaining popularity, it's important to be mindful of the impact of climate change on the fungi population. Hot summers and dry winters can negatively affect the growth of mushrooms, so it's crucial to practice sustainable foraging techniques and respect the natural environment.
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They are edible and taste similar to chanterelles
Hedgehog mushrooms (Hydnum repandum) are edible and taste similar to chanterelles, with a slightly more peppery and savoury flavour. They are also sometimes called sweet tooth mushrooms, perhaps due to their mildly sweet smell. They are a great option for novice mushroom foragers as they are easy to identify and don't have any toxic look-alikes. Their small, delicate teeth, rather than gills, are a distinctive feature, along with their peach-orange caps and cream-coloured stems.
Hedgehog mushrooms are fragile and can easily break apart, so care must be taken when collecting them. They often grow under old decaying logs and near water sources, such as mountain streams or ephemeral runoff. In Colorado, they can be found in mixed conifer forests composed mainly of spruce and fir above 9,000 feet. While they may be rare and not found in large quantities, once a patch is discovered, foragers can usually return to the same spot year after year to find more.
Mushroom foraging in Colorado is a popular activity, and the state is known for hosting a wide variety of mushrooms. However, climate change and extreme weather conditions may negatively impact the magic of mushroom foraging in the state. Nevertheless, foragers in Colorado can enjoy the beauty and taste of hedgehog mushrooms when they are in season during the summer and sometimes fall.
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Mushroom foraging in Colorado is popular but threatened by climate change
Mushroom foraging in Colorado has become increasingly popular, with the Colorado Mycological Society, the largest fungi society in the state, growing from 150 members in 2019 to 20,000 in 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic, the legalization of supervised use of psychedelic mushrooms, and the discovery of medicinal properties of fungi have all contributed to this surge in interest. Foragers enjoy the practice as a way to connect with nature and learn from it.
Colorado is home to a variety of wild mushrooms, including porcinis (king boletes), chanterelles, morels, and the elusive hedgehog mushroom. The state's high elevation and mixed conifer forests provide ideal habitats for these fungi. However, mushroom foraging in Colorado is threatened by climate change. In recent years, the state has experienced high temperatures, extreme drought, and wildfires, which have impacted the growth and fruiting of mushrooms.
The hedgehog mushroom, or Hydnum repandum, is a rare treat for foragers in Colorado. These mushrooms are known for their distinctive features, including their peach-orange caps, delicate cream-colored teeth, and mildly sweet smell. They are typically found in mixed conifer forests composed mainly of spruce and fir above 9,000 feet, often near water sources. Hedgehog mushrooms grow in patches and can usually be found in the same spots year after year unless there are significant disturbances.
Foragers must be careful when collecting hedgehog mushrooms as they are fragile and can easily break apart. Slicing them at the soil level and gently cleaning any debris from the stems and caps is recommended. Their unique flavor, described as similar to chanterelles but with a peppery and savory twist, makes them a sought-after delicacy.
While mushroom foraging provides a sense of connection to nature and excitement in discovering hidden treasures, the activity is at the mercy of environmental factors. The impact of climate change on mushroom habitats underscores the delicate balance between nature and human pursuits. As temperatures rise and weather patterns shift, the future of mushroom foraging in Colorado remains uncertain.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, hedgehog mushrooms can be found in Colorado. They are, however, rare and are usually not found in large quantities.
Hedgehog mushrooms have a light brown cap that resembles a glazed donut, with white, furry spines hanging from their underside. Their caps can also be peach-orange in colour, with stems and teeth in a slightly lighter shade of peach.
Hedgehog mushrooms are typically found in mixed conifer forests composed mainly of spruce and fir above 9,000 ft near a water source. They grow in patches under old decaying logs and spruce, fir, and aspen trees.
Hedgehog mushrooms are easy to identify as they have small, delicate teeth as their spore-bearing structures. They do not have any toxic look-alikes, making them a good choice for novice mushroom foragers.
Hedgehog mushrooms are fragile and can easily break apart, so it is important to be careful when collecting them. Using a basket can be helpful. Slice them at the soil level and gently brush away any debris from the stems and caps.
