[2] Widely regarded as important maintainers of forest ecosystems, the Hydnum genus is known to have ectomycorrhizal relationships with multiple plant families.

[4] Hydnum species are found on every continent that is habitable for plant life, with some preferring deep forest regions.

Also called the "hedgehog mushroom", H. repandum is most often found in Europe, Mexico, and North America.

[7] Medicinally, H. repandum has shown promising signs in preventing malignant sarcomas in mice.

[6] Hydnum vesterholtii has been newly found in calcium rich areas of the Mediterranean, as well as in the Pyrenees and Italy, and is recognized by an ochre tinted spore cap.