Bellybutton Hedgehog
Mycophagists love finding this delectable small fungus with a sweet and nutty flavor many consider superior to that of chanterelles. It grows in mossy understory in the western Cascade lowlands and foothills beneath conifers, hemlock especially, but also in mixed woodlands. It is rarely over two inches across and usually smaller. The caps are orange or peach in color and develop a central depression or dimple after emerging convex. Stalks may be long in proportion to the caps, often 3-4 inches long, equal, and about 1/3 inch across. Initially white they may become light orange and will stain brownish orange where bruised. The undersurface of the cap is a thick forest of short white spines. Fruitings are from late summer well into fall.