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Devil's tooth

Hydnellum peckii

A species of Hydnellum, Also known as Bleeding tooth fungus, Bleeding hydnellum

Distinctive and otherworldly, the irregularly-shaped fungal bodies of devil's tooth (Hydnellum peckii) produce red droplets all over their white or cream colored surfaces - almost as though they have been punctured dozens of times over and are bleeding out. The fungi's underside is not gilled, but is rather covered in white or pink tooth-like projections that disseminate its spores. Though inedible, this species is prized by dye makers, producing strong green and blue hues.

Cap Diameter:

3 - 8 cm

Odor:

Faintly earthy, not particularly strong.

General Info About Devil's tooth

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Attributes of Devil's tooth

Cap Diameter

3 - 8 cm

Height

1 - 5 cm

Cap

Cap 4 - 20 cm across; convex to flat; whitish to brownish; tough; display dark-brown or black when bruised

Cap Shape

Convex, Flat, Depressed

Cap Surfaces

Fibrillose-scaly

Stem

Stem 5 cm long, 1 - 3 cm thick; tapering; velvety

Stem Shapes

Cylindrical

Stem Surfaces

Fibrillose

Flesh

Pinkish brown

Ring

Ringless

Spore Print Color

Brown

Odor

Faintly earthy, not particularly strong.

Body Color

Brown

Gray

White

Flesh Bruises

Discolor to pink or red

Growth Form

Solitary, Scattered

Nutrient Gathering

Mycorrhizal

Substrate

On soil

You can find Devil's tooth by these plants:

Spruces, Firs, Pines, Scots pine

Occurence Habitats

Coniferous Woodland

Species Status

Wide distribution in North America

Endangered Species

How to Identify Devil's tooth

Fruiting Body Immature Fruiting Body Flesh

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Habitat of Devil's tooth

Devil's tooth occurs in coniferous woodlands, and it's primarily associated with pines. It feeds in a symbiotic relationship with the tree’s roots, helping it absorb water and nutrients while the tree provides it sugars and amino acids. Its fruitbodies grow up from the ground, in duff under conifers.

Distribution Area of Devil's tooth

North America,Europe

Scientific Classification of Devil's tooth

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Thelephorales

Family

Bankeraceae

Genus

Hydnellum

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Tips for Finding Devil's tooth

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What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Devil's tooth

Rich, moist, acidic duff in coniferous woods.

What are Some Tips for Finding Devil's tooth

Search during wetter periods as devil's tooth thrives in moist conditions.
Look for devil's tooth in the duff layer beneath conifer trees, especially pines.
Explore areas with scattered to solitary tree arrangements, where devil's tooth may be more visible.
Gently clear away top layers of duff to expose hidden devil's tooth specimens.
Use a gentle hand to avoid damaging devil's tooth and its surrounding habitat.