This is my first post where all the images were taken with iPhone 6 S Plus. This phone with very decent camera made it easier to go around lagging less equipment in my pockets.

Sarcodon is genus of fungi. It belongs to the tooth fungi and has quite a number of species worldwide. However in my area year after year I find only one species. The confusing part is that majority of sources and field guides for Eastern North America list Sarcodon imbricatus and Sarcodon scabrosus (two most common species of this genus) as mycorrhizal  (this means that the fungus mycelium and the tree roots exchange nutrients to the mutual benefit of both organisms) with conifers. I never found a single Sarcodon mushroom under conifers.

The only source mentioning that Sarcodon scabrosus partners with hardwoods too is Michael Kuo.  Therefore I think my finds should be identified as Sarcodon scabrosus. Common name for this mushroom is scaly hedgehog, although it is used for Sarcodon imbricatus too.  This mushroom fits all descriptions for Sarcodon scabrosus:

• Brownish scaly cap

• Grayish-brown teeth that are brittle and run down the stem

• Stem darkens at the base

Personally I never tried to eat this mushroom, although it is reported to be edible. The reported quality is quite controversial. Some sources claim that it is bitter, and some rank it as choice edible. Chanterelles and hedgehogs do have some slight bitter after taste, so I would not be surprised if there is a bitter tone in the taste of this mushroom. Anyway, it is on my list to try and eat in the future.

Here is a gallery of my finds.