Sarcodon versipellis is a species of old undisturbed coniferous and mixed forests mostly on calacareous soils. The forests are declining mainly due to changing logging practices, development projects and pollution (airborne nitrogen deposition) and soil drying. The species is redlisted in most countries of its occurrence. Hydnellum versipelle is known from approx. 300 sites/localities in Scandinavia. The species is widespread but known from rather few localities in C Europe (e.g. 18 localities in Austria), and a few from North America. Based on present evidence on distribution, the total global population is estimated to approx. 35 000 - 40 000 individuals.

The decline of the major habitat of the species, Scandinavian calcareous Picea forests, in the evaluation period (last 50 years) is estimated to be in the magnitude of 15-20%. Based on this, the species becomes red-listed as NT according to the A-criterion (A2c + 3c + 4c) (species/habitat decline >15%).

valid name:
Hydnellum versipelle (Fr.) E.Larss., K.H.Larss. & Koljalg

Sarcodon versipellis is easy to identify and rare species of the Bankeraceae family. It occurs in coniferous forests and outgrown pastures following the natural occurrence of spruce, with which it is forming mycorrhiza. Preffered are waterlogged habitats or sites near the streams, with well developed mossy layer on fertile calcareous soils. Basidiomata are often adherent solitary ones are rare. They occur mostly during the summer with above average precipitation. The species is threatened by inappropriate forest management, clear cutting of suitable habitats – spruce forests on outgrown pastures. Further threats include air pollution and global climate change, with sudden temperature and rain fluctuations, lack of precipitation and its uneven distribution over the year, as well as drying of habitats.
Sarcodon versipellis is an umbrella species, found in habitats with diverse and rich mycoflora (“hot spots”) in succession spruce forests on outgrown grasslands declining throughout whole Europe, because of human activities and climate change.

The species distribution center is located in Scandinavia, especially in Sweden and Norway. Findings are also known from other European countries such as Slovakia, Austria, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Romania, France and Belgium. Outside Europe, it was recorded in the US and Canada.

Hydnellum versipelle is known from approx. 170 sites/localities in Norway, and approx. 140 in Sweden, according to data from national redlists and species database maps. The estimated population size in Scandinavia is approx. 1 500 localities, which is equivalent to approx. 30 000 individuals. For two countries there are ony old records (Finland 1949, Check Republic 1944) and the species could be extinct. The species is widespread but known from rather few localities in C Europe (e.g. 18 localities in Austria), and a few from North America. Based on present evidence on distribution, the total global population is estimated to approx. 35 000 - 40 000 individuals.

The decline of the major habitat of the species, Scandinavian calcareous Picea forests, in the evaluation period (last 50 years) is estimated to be in the magnitude of 15-20%. Based on this, the species becomes red-listed as NT according to the A-criterion (A2c + 3c + 4c) (species/habitat decline >15%).

It is normally associated with mossy calcareous spruce forest, dry to moist along streams and usually in oldgrowth forests. Basidiomata are often adherent solitary ones are rare. They occur mostly during the summer with above average precipitation. Sarcodon versipellis is an umbrella species, found in habitats with diverse and rich funga (“hot spots”) in oldgrowth spruce forests.

Hydnellum versipelle and its habitats (calcareous Picea forests) have been declining e.g. due to areal loss (urbanization, including tourist resorts, road constructions, expansion of limestone quarries) as well as decreased habitat quality/ecological conditions due to modern forestry with clear-cuttings. In Norway, which has the largest populations of H. versipelle calcareous Picea forests are redlisted as VU.

Check Swedish statistics!

For the protection of Sarcodon versipellis the strictest protected areas should be declared in the whole area of its occurrence.

Research focused on preservation of the long time continuity of undisturbed habitat and population dynamics.

Not used.

DVOŘÁK, D., HROUDA, P. 2005. Ježaté houby / lošáky a korálovce. Brno: Masarykova univerzita v Brně, 2005. p. 1-36.

NITARE, J., HÖGBERG, N. 2012. Svensk Mykologisk Tidskrift 33 (3). Göteborg: Göteborgs universitet, p. 2-49.

PEIGER, M., TOMKA, P., PAULÍNY, M. 2015. Huby Liptova. Liptovské múzeum v Ružomberku, p. 1- 168.

PEIGER, M. 2015. Vybraní zástupcovia jelenkovitých húb (Bankeraceae), ich ekológia a indikačná hodnota v lesných ekosystémoch. Liptovský Mikuláš, p. 1-67.

Artfaktafrån ArtDatabanken: https://artfakta.se/artbestamning/taxon/sarcodon-versipellis-1440