Distribution: Broad

Habitat: S. imbricatus is commonly found in the conifer forests of the PNW and in either conifer or mixed forests in the rest of North America and much of Europe.

Conservation Status: Not of concern

Edibility: With a mild odor and taste, it is said to be edible, but of poor quality---better in the dye pot than the soup pot.

With a mild odor and taste, it is said to be edible, but of poor quality---better in the dye pot than the soup pot.

Sarcodon imbricatus probably is the most common of the sarcodons and hydnellums in the PNW and rest of North America. Its most noticeable feature is the very coarse scaly cap, with the brown scales already obvious in young individuals. In age, the scales become even more prominent, upturned, and darker. The background of the cap and stipe is usually buff to medium brown, and the short to moderately long spines are pale grayish brown and darken in age.