Page 271 - The Forager’s Guide to Wild Foods

Scaly Hedgehog, Sarcodon
imbricatus (BANKERACEAE)
SCALY HEDGEHOG is widely distributed across tem-
perate North America. Growing on the ground under
conifers, it occurs singly, in groups, or fairy rings.
These mushrooms typically fruit from late spring to
fall, though in California they may appear in midwin-
ter.
CAP: The cap is 2-10 inches (5-25cm) with a convex
or flat outline. Occasionally, it develops a perforated
central depression. Its dry exterior is patterned with
coarse, uplifted scales. These are dark brown to al-
most black, while the surface beneath is dull brown.
The margin begins inrolled, becoming decurved and
occasionally wavy or lobed. The firm, brittle flesh is
whitish or pale brownish. It has a mild to bitter taste.
SPINES: The undersurface is decurrent and covered
with spines of 0.2-0.6 inches (5-15mm) long. These
begin dull brown, darkening in age.
STEM: The stem is 1.5-4 inches (4-10cm) tall, 0.5-1.4
inches (1.5-3.5cm) wide, and equal or thicker at the
base. Beginning solid, its top becomes hollow in ma-
turity. The stem’s brown exterior is smooth to fibril-
lose.
SPORES: 6-8 x 5-7 µ, subglobose, strongly warted;
Spore print: brown
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EDIBLE PARTS: young caps and stems
KEY MEDICINAL USES: Constituents of this species
have been shown to promote bone marrow health and
reduce fatigue.
HOW TO EAT: The quality of scaly hedgehogs tends
to vary. Some specimens are mild-tasting and suitable
for most mushroom recipes. Others are irredeemably
bitter. People seem to have better luck with young
mushrooms.
MARINATED HEDGEHOGS: Ingredients: 1 lb. (500g)
mushrooms, ¼ cup olive oil, ¼ cup white wine vinegar,
¼ diced onion, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tsp. brown
sugar, ½ tsp. oregano, ½ tsp. peppercorns, ¼ tsp.
chili flakes, 1 bay leaf, salt, parsley. Boil mushrooms
in salted water (3-4 min.). In a bowl combine drained
mushrooms with remaining ingredients. Scoop into
sealable jars and refrigerate.
WARNING: Scaly hedgehogs cause indigestion in
some people.
INEDIBLE LOOK-ALIKES: Sarcodon scabrosus - stalk
base is olive-black; cap is less scaly; scales usually not
raised; extremely bitter flesh. Cap tissue stains black
in KOH.