Wood Urchin (Hydnum repandum)

Also Known as: Wood Hedgehog, Pied de Mouton

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Cap: 5-15cm Pinkish-buff. Sometimes orangey-pink. Irregularly lobed with an in-rolled margin.

Fruit body: Usually single but sometimes two or more fuse into a composite fruit body.

Gills: Has short spines rather than gills. Spines are same colour as cap and slightly decurrent.

Stem: Short, stout and brittle. Often off-centre. Paler than the cap.

Spores: White or pale cream.

Flesh: Firm, brittle, pale yellow-cream.

Habitat: In troops on the ground in deciduous or coniferous woods.

Frequency: Common

Season:  Jan  Feb  Mar  Apr  May  Jun  Jul  Aug  Sep  Oct  Nov  Dec 

Edibility: Good

Eating notes: Not the strongest flavour, but a good firm texture. Benefits from long slow cooking.

Preserving: Can be dried.  Frezes well.