# Bleeding Tooth Fungus (*Hydnellum peckii*)

The Bleeding Tooth Fungus is a strange-looking mushroom that looks like it has little drops of blood on it! It can be found in forests, hiding under trees.

- **Category:** [Fungi](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/fungi)
- **Rarity:** Epic
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Habitat:** Forest floors
- **Also known as:** Bleeding Tooth, Devil's Tooth

![Bleeding Tooth Fungus](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426929/objects/5138.jpg)

## Appearance

The Bleeding Tooth Fungus has a fuzzy, uneven cap that is typically white to pinkish-brown, often exuding bright red, syrupy droplets when young and moist. Its underside is covered in short, soft spines instead of gills, making it visually distinct from many other fungi.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Fungi
- **Phylum:** Basidiomycota
- **Class:** Agaricomycetes
- **Order:** Thelephorales
- **Family:** Bankeraceae
- **Genus:** Hydnellum

## Interesting facts

- Its "bloody" drops are just extra water and minerals from inside!
- Scientists are studying its powerful chemicals for new medicines!
- This fungus helps pine trees grow stronger and healthier!
- Underneath, it has soft, spiky teeth instead of flat gills!

## Special abilities

- **Water Weaver:** Bleeding Tooth Fungus can "bleed" red fluid, called guttation, which helps regulate water pressure and expel waste.
- **Tree Friend:** This fungus forms a special partnership with conifer tree roots, helping them absorb vital nutrients and water.
- **Germ Blocker:** Bleeding Tooth Fungus has unique chemicals that can help fight off certain bacteria, protecting itself from invaders.

## Measurements & details

- **Height:** 2-6 cm
- **Edible:** inedible
- **Size:** 2-10 cm
- **Growth Substrate:** soil
- **Season:** Late summer to fall
- **Spore Color:** White to pale brown

## Ecological connections

- **Symbiotic with:** [Eastern White Pine](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-white-pine) (*Pinus strobus*) — exchanges vital nutrients with tree roots
- **Symbiotic with:** [Norway Spruce](https://www.snappit.app/explore/norway-spruce) (*Picea abies*) — shares sugars from the tree in return for minerals

## Traits

- [Spore Producing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/spore-producing): Spore-producing organisms reproduce by releasing small, often single-celled, reproductive units called spores.
- [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
- [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.

## Collections

- [Fungi](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/fungi)

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

Do not pick or eat anything you find. Some plants and mushrooms can be harmful.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Bleeding Tooth Fungus?

Compare the cap shape, the underside, the stem and base, and whether the fungus grows on wood or soil. Some fungi have gills, others pores or teeth. A cap seen only from above often hides the most useful features. Mushroom Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### How tall is Bleeding Tooth Fungus?

2-6 cm

### Is Bleeding Tooth Fungus edible?

inedible

### How big is Bleeding Tooth Fungus?

2-10 cm

### Where is Bleeding Tooth Fungus usually found?

Forest floors

### What does Bleeding Tooth Fungus grow on?

soil

### When is Bleeding Tooth Fungus in season?

Late summer to fall

### What color are Bleeding Tooth Fungus spores?

White to pale brown

## More Fungi

- [Field Mushroom](https://www.snappit.app/explore/field-mushroom) (*Agaricus*)
- [Button Mushroom](https://www.snappit.app/explore/button-mushroom) (*Agaricus*)
- [Portobello Mushroom](https://www.snappit.app/explore/portobello-mushroom) (*Agaricus*)
- [Shiitake](https://www.snappit.app/explore/shiitake) (*Lentinula*)

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Source: [Bleeding Tooth Fungus: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/bleeding-tooth-fungus)