How do you identify the hedgehog mushroom?

The spines (teeth) on the underside of the cap make it unmistakable: no poisonous mushrooms have this morphological feature. Irregular cream-orange cap, stout stem, growth on the ground in broadleaf woods.

Where are hedgehog mushrooms found?

The hedgehog mushroom grows in mixed broadleaf woods — beech, oak, hornbeam, chestnut — throughout Italy between 200 and 1400 metres. It is one of the most widespread autumn mushrooms in the country.

When is hedgehog mushroom season?

The season runs from August to December, with a peak in September–November. It tolerates low temperatures well and continues fruiting until the first frosts, often longer than porcini.

Species

Hedgehog Mushroom

Hydnum repandum

Guide to hedgehog mushroom in Italy: where Hydnum repandum grows, autumn season and habitat in mixed woods. The spines make it unmistakable.

Season August–December. Peak September–November. Tolerates lower temperatures better than porcini and continues fruiting until the first frosts.

Best regions

Tuscany Umbria Trentino-South Tyrol Veneto Piedmont

The hedgehog mushroom — Hydnum repandum — is one of the safest autumn mushrooms to collect: it has no poisonous lookalikes and its spines (teeth) on the underside of the cap make it immediately recognisable. It belongs neither to the gilled nor to the pored mushrooms: it is a hydnoid, with spores borne on fragile cream-orange spines. It grows in mixed and broadleaf woods between August and December, often in large scattered families on the ground. The flavour is slightly bitter but pleasant, excellent sautéed in a pan.

Habitat

Mixed broadleaf woods (beech, oak, hornbeam, chestnut) between 200 and 1400 metres. Humus-rich soil, moderately moist. Often grows in areas with dense leaf litter. Evenly distributed throughout Italy.

How to identify hedgehog mushroom

Underside of cap with fragile cream-orange spines/teeth — unique character
Irregular, lobed cap, pale cream-orange or ochre colour
Firm white flesh, pleasant smell, slightly bitter flavour
Stout, short stem, same colour as the cap
No gills, no pores: only spines on the underside

Similar species — pay attention

Hydnum rufescens: very similar but smaller and more orange-reddish. Equally edible. No poisonous species exist with similar spines: this is one of the safest mushrooms for beginners.

Where to look in Italy

Tuscany June–July Umbria September–November Trentino-South Tyrol July–October Veneto July–October Piedmont July–October Emilia-Romagna June–October The Marche September–November Abruzzo September–November

Open the hedgehog mushroom map

Frequently asked questions about hedgehog mushroom

How do you identify the hedgehog mushroom?: The spines (teeth) on the underside of the cap make it unmistakable: no poisonous mushrooms have this morphological feature. Irregular cream-orange cap, stout stem, growth on the ground in broadleaf woods.
Where are hedgehog mushrooms found?: The hedgehog mushroom grows in mixed broadleaf woods — beech, oak, hornbeam, chestnut — throughout Italy between 200 and 1400 metres. It is one of the most widespread autumn mushrooms in the country.
When is hedgehog mushroom season?: The season runs from August to December, with a peak in September–November. It tolerates low temperatures well and continues fruiting until the first frosts, often longer than porcini.

Other species

Porcini Boletus edulis Chanterelles Cantharellus cibarius Caesar's Mushroom Amanita caesarea Honey Mushrooms Armillaria mellea Parasol Mushroom Macrolepiota procera Black Truffle Tuber melanosporum White Truffle Tuber magnatum Horn of Plenty Craterellus cornucopioides Morels Morchella esculenta Saffron Milk Cap Lactarius deliciosus St. George's Mushroom Calocybe gambosa

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