Hydnellum peckii, aka the Bleeding Tooth Fungus or bleeding Hydnellum, is a distinctive fungus found in North America and Europe. It belongs to the stipitate hydnoid species and has a unique appearance, resembling a sweet treat with red fluid droplets that look like blood when young. However, the fungus is not edible due to its horribly bitter taste.
Unlike other mushrooms, Hydnellum peckii has teeth-like hymenium instead of gills or pores on the underside of the cap. When growing closely together, the fruit bodies often appear to fuse together, a phenomenon known as “confluence.” They can grow up to a height of 10.5 cm (4 1/8-inch), making them a notable sight in any forest.
The fruit bodies typically have a funnel-shaped cap with a white edge, although the shape can be highly variable. As in all mushroom-producing fungi, the fruit bodies are the reproductive structures that are produced from fungal mycelium when the appropriate environmental conditions of temperature, humidity, and nutrient availability are met.
In addition to the Bleeding Tooth Fungus, other common names for Hydnellum peckii include red-juice tooth and Devil’s tooth. It can be found around the Pacific Northwest (e.g. Washington, Oregon) in North America and around Italy, Germany, and Scotland in Europe. The bloody-red fruit bodies of the organism are also prized as a dye (coloring) agent.
Despite its unique appearance, Hydnellum peckii is not believed to be poisonous. However, its bitter taste makes it inedible.
Image Credits
In-Article Image Credits
Hydnellum peckii - Young specimen via Wikimedia Commons with usage type - Creative Commons LicenseHydnellum peckii - Young specimen in Italy via Wikimedia Commons with usage type - Creative Commons License. August 17, 2005
The fungus Hydnellum peckii via Wikimedia Commons by Mushroom Observer with usage type - Creative Commons License. October 30, 2009
Hydnellum pecki via Wikimedia Commons with usage type - Creative Commons License
Featured Image Credit
Hydnellum peckii - Young specimen via Wikimedia Commons with usage type - Creative Commons License
