Hawks Wing; Shingled Hedgehog
This most distinctive fungus is widely distributed in the northern hemisphere, and widely sought as food by mycophagists. The flesh is soft and white and the taste mild, though some have a bitter taste. It is recognized by its large stature, with caps reaching up to 12 inches and by the presence of dark brown coarse scales on a lighter brown background. Caps have a central depression that can be funnel-shaped. The fertile undersurface features closely packed gray spines (teeth) that are from 0.5-1.5cm in length. Stipes range up to 3-4 inches and do not have greenish or blue-green coloration in the lower stipe that certain lookalike species possess. The fungus may be solitary but often grows in groups. It is found in both conifer and mixed forests, where it seems to form mycorrhizal associations. In the Rockies it is associated with spruce and fir, but in the PNW it may be found in lowland mixed forests as well as in montane settings. It can be prepared in many ways, including the usual frying or sauteeing, but is sometimes ground up to make a powder for seasoning or prepared into a tea.