Identification: Hydnellum peckii

[Carita]

Hi Folks,

I found this unusual (at least to me) fungus on the San Josef Bay trail last week. I think it's a Hydnellum peckii but would like to have an expert opinion.

Thanks so much,
Carita

[Daniel Mosquin]

Very nifty!

Yes, I'd agree with your identification of Hydnellum peckii. I think it's very amusing that the common name of the fungus is "bleeding tooth fungus".

Here's a link to confirm:

From the website of George Barron at the University of Guelph:

Hydnellum peckii

Small note of caution: according to Orson K. Miller Jr.'s "Mushrooms of North America", there is a very similar species - Hydnellum diabolus. An easy way of determining which one of the two it is according to Miller is odour: Hydnellum diabolus has a sweet resinous odour, while Hydnellum peckii is odourless.

[Carita]

Originally Posted by Daniel Mosquin

Very nifty!

Yes, I'd agree with your identification of Hydnellum peckii. I think it's very amusing that the common name of the fungus is "bleeding tooth fungus".

Here's a link to confirm:

From the website of George Barron at the University of Guelph:

Hydnellum peckii

Small note of caution: according to Orson K. Miller Jr.'s "Mushrooms of North America", there is a very similar species - Hydnellum diabolus. An easy way of determining which one of the two it is according to Miller is odour: Hydnellum diabolus has a sweet resinous odour, while Hydnellum peckii is odourless.

Hi Daniel,

Thanks for the info. Must remember next time to give anything unusual a sniff.........in case it's a vital part of the ID process!