Sarcodon versipellis is a Norway spruce associated ectomycorrhizal fungal species in old-growth coniferous forests on calacareous soils. Such forests are disappearing and declining mainly due to logging practices, development projects and nitrogen deposition. The centre of its distribution is Fennoscandia where where 75% of its total global population is estimated to occur. In these countries, it is nationally rad-listed as NT (Near Threathened) in Norway and VU (Vulnerable) in Sweden. The species also is also known from a few sites around the Alps in Europe (e.g. 18 sites in Austria), and a few from North America. Based on present knowledge on distribution, the total global population is estimated to be not higher than 2000 sites and with a maximum of 40 000 mature individuals.

The quantity and quality decline of H. versipelles major occurence, the Fennoscandinavian calcareous Picea forests, is estimated to have declined with about 30% during the last 50 years, is ongoing and expected to continue. The habitat decline is estimated to be similar outside Fennoscandia. The population decline is assessed as being in the same range as the habitat decline.

Based on this, the species is assessed as NT (Near Threathened) according to the A-criterion (A2ce+3ce+4ce).

valid name:
Hydnellum versipelle (Fr.) E.Larss., K.H.Larss. & Koljalg (Larsson et al 2019).

Sarcodon versipellis is easy to identify and rare species of the Bankeraceae family. It occurs in coniferous forests and outgrown pastures following the natural occurrence of spruce, with which it is forming mycorrhiza. Preffered are waterlogged habitats or sites near the streams, with well developed mossy layer on fertile calcareous soils. Basidiomata are often adherent solitary ones are rare. They occur mostly during the summer with above average precipitation. The species is threatened by inappropriate forest management, clear cutting of suitable habitats – spruce forests on outgrown pastures. Further threats include air pollution and global climate change, with sudden temperature and rain fluctuations, lack of precipitation and its uneven distribution over the year, as well as drying of habitats.
Sarcodon versipellis is an umbrella species, found in habitats with diverse and rich mycoflora (“hot spots”) in succession spruce forests on outgrown grasslands declining throughout whole Europe, because of human activities and climate change.

The center of the Hydnellum versipelle´s distribution is located in Scandinavia, in Norway and Sweden. The species is also reported rarely from other other European countries, centered around the Alps; Austria, France, Germany and Switzerland. Outside Europe, it has been reported from the US and Canada.

Hydnellum versipelle is known from approx. 170 sites in Norway, and approx. 140 sites in Sweden according to data from national Red Lists and species database maps (Artsdatabanken 2021; SLU Artdatabanken 2020). GBIF (2024) report 1300 records, most in Norway and Sweden. The species is widespread but known from rather few sites in central Europe (e.g. 18 sites in Austria), and a few from North America. For two countries there are ony old records (Finland from 1949, Check Republic from 1944) and the species could be extinct. The total number of sites in Scandinavia is estimated to approx. 1500, assuming two genets/site and 10 mature individuals/ getnet, corresponding to approx. 30 000 mature individuals (Dahlberg & Mueller, 2011). Based on present evidence on distribution, the total global population is estimated to be about 40 000 mature individuals.

In Norway and Sweden, with about 40% and 30% of the global population, rspectively, H. versipelle is nationally redlisted as NT and VU, respectively (Artsdatabanken 2021; SLU Artdatabanken 2020). The decline of the major habitat of the species, Scandinavian calcareous Picea forests, hence also the population of H. versipellle, is estimated to have been approaching 30% during the last last 50 years (three generations), be ongoing and similarily expected to decline into the future. The habitat decline is estimated to be similar outside Fennoscandia. The population decline is assessed as being in the same range as the habitat decline.

Hydnellum versipelle is an ecomycorrhizal fungus associating with Norway spruce (Picea abies). It occurs mainly in boreal, calcareous, mossy spruce forests, both in dry sites along ridges, and seasonal hydrophilous ones along brooks, etc., and mainly in old-growth forests. Sporocarps typically grows aggregated, solitary ones are rare, and mostly during summers with above average precipitation. Sarcodon versipellis is an umbrella species for ecomycorrhizal fungi of conservation interest in old-growth spruce forest, found in habitats called “hotspots.

Hydnellum versipelle and its habitat, mossy oldgrowths calcareous Picea forests, have been declining e.g. due to areal loss (urbanization, including tourist resorts, road constructions, expansion of limestone quarries) and decreased habitat quality due to clear-cutting forestry.

For the conservation of Sarcodon versipellis, forest sites with ocurrences areas be protected.

Research focused on the patterns och processes of population dynamics of H. versipelle and how to maintain sustainable popuations locally and at the landscape level.

Not used.

Artsdatabanken (2021). Norsk rødliste for arter 2021. (Red-listed species in Norway 2021).  Artsdatabanken, Trondheim. ISBN: 978-82-92838-56-3

Dahlberg A & Mueller G. 2011. Applying IUCN red-listing criteria for assessing and reporting on the conservation status of fungal species. Fungal Ecology 4: 1-16

GBIF (2024). Sarcodon versipellis (Fr.) Nikol. https://www.gbif.org/species/5238856 accessed via GBIF.org on 2024-11-07.

Larsson K-H. Svantesson S, Miscevic D., Köljag U and Larsson E. 2019. Reassessment of the generic limits for Hydnellum and Sarcodon (Thelephorales, Basidiomycota).  MycoKeys. 10;54:31–47. doi: 10.3897/mycokeys.54.35386

SLU Artdatabanken (2020). Rödlistade arter i Sverige 2020. (Red-listed species in Sweden 2020). SLU, Uppsala ISBN 978-91-87853-54-8