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Mushroom ID

Cauliflower Mushroom

Sparassis radicata

LOW RISK

Identification: Sparassis radicata (Cauliflower Mushroom)

Cauliflower Mushroom - Image 1
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Caractéristiques clés

  • Large
  • compact
  • brain-like structure
  • Composed of numerous flattened
  • wavy
  • ruffled lobes
  • Pale cream to yellowish-tan coloration
  • Grows at the base of trees or on buried wood/roots
  • Texture is firm but flexible
Couleur :

Pale cream to yellowish-tan

Odeur :

No distinctive smell

Mode de croissance :

Single large mass

Environnement :

Wood (likely buried roots or base of conifer)

Habitat et distribution

Habitat :

Conifer or mixed forest floor (Pacific Northwest)

Distribution :

Western North America, associated primarily with conifers

Saisonnalité :

Late summer to late fall

Valeur économique

Demande du marché :

High - highly prized edible in gourmet markets

Gamme de prix :

$15-30/lb fresh (variable)

Usage commercial :

Gourmet food item, often used in soups and sautés

Espèces similaires

Beautiful Coral

Ramaria formosa

TOXIC - severe gastrointestinal distress
Différences clés :
  • Branches are cylindrical and upright, not flattened and ruffled
  • Often exhibits pinkish or yellowish tips
  • Grows directly on soil, not wood

Action recommandée

Document location and substrate. Do not consume without absolute confirmation by an expert.