There are two forms; one with the pileus plane and with thick persistent scales, another with the pileus somewhat infundibuliform, and with thinner, at length separating scales. Stevenson.
Spores pale yellow brown, rough, 6–7×5µ Massee; 6×5µ W.G.S.
Fleshy. The numerous scales over lapping toward the center. The surface of the cap often cracks in a tesselated manner. Flesh dingy, buffish or reddish. Spines short, blunt, grayish-white and mostly of equal length.
In pine and mixed woods. Autumn.
Of delicate taste. Cordier. Edible. Curtis.
Fine specimens grew at Mt. Gretna, Pa., from September to November. Until closely examined the cap may be mistaken for that of H. zonatum. The zones of the latter and the pervading rust-color will distinguish it. Both are edible, though H. zonatum is much tougher. H. imbricatum is slightly bitter, raw. It must be sliced thin and well cooked.
H. læviga´tum Swartz—lævis, smooth. Pileus 4–6 in. broad, umber, fleshy, compact, firm, regular, plane, even, very smooth, margin circinate (not repand). Flesh whitish, compact, but by no means fibrous, soft when fresh, pliant when dry. Stem short, thick, even, pallid-brown. Spines thin, pallid-brown.
Its size is that of H. imbricatum, but it occurs twice as large, with the pileus minutely rimuloso-rivulose, by no means scaly. The stem varies curt and unequal or longer and equal. Quite distinct from H. fragile. Stevenson.
Spores 10–15µ long, Massee; globose, warted, pale lemon-yellow, 7µ Q.
In pine woods. August to October.