Orange Spine Fungus (Hydnellum aurantiacum group) is a mycorrhizal mushroom that grows in association with conifers (eastern hemlock in this case) and occasionally hardwoods. It is tough and fleshy like a Polypore, but has little teeth/spines under the expanding fused plate like caps that disperse spores. It is inedibly bitter but can be used to dye fabrics shades of grey-green depending on the mordant used. The orange color comes from auranticin, a dark red pigment also found in other Hydnellum