Large brown mushroom with distinctive overlapping scales on the cap that resemble hawk feathers. Toothed underside (not gills or pores). Firm texture, good for cooking.
Habitat
Spruce-fir forests above 9,500 ft. Mycorrhizal with conifers. Often found along trails and forest edges. Same habitat and timing as king boletes.
Look-Alikes
Sarcodon scabrosus
Edible but bitter. Very similar appearance — bitter taste test distinguishes them.
Identification Tips
- ✓Younger specimens are best — older ones become tough and bitter
- ✓The scales and toothed underside make identification straightforward
- ✓Great dried and ground into powder for seasoning
- ✓Often found near king boletes — check both!
Found Hawks Wing?
Photograph it and log your observation on iNaturalist. The community can help confirm your ID — always get confirmation before eating.
Safety: Never eat any wild mushroom without 100% certain identification from multiple sources. This page is for informational purposes only. When in doubt, throw it out.