This species remained as Sarcodon scabrosus until 2019, when a molecular analysis using nuclear DNA showed that this and 11 other species lay genetically within the genus Hydnellum, a genus of which harder woody flesh had previously been considered a distinguishing feature from soft-fleshed Sarcodon.

[1] The fruit body (mushroom) has a convex to flattened brownish cap up to 12 cm (4+3⁄4 in) across that is covered with brown scales.

The flesh is whitish and has a bitter taste, rendering the mushroom inedible.

[2][3] It is found in association with hardwood forests across Eurasia to Japan, as well as North America.

In 2004, Tsunashi Kamo and colleagues isolated diterpenoids with experimental anti-inflammatory activity.