Sparassis spathulata

Sparassis spathulata is a species of fungus in the genus Sparassis. It has the variant Sparassis spathulata f. herbstii. (previously considered S. herbstii).^[2]

Sparassis spathulata
Sparassis spathulata
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Fungi
Division:	Basidiomycota
Class:	Agaricomycetes
Order:	Polyporales
Family:	Sparassidaceae
Genus:	Sparassis
Species:	S. spathulata
Binomial name
Sparassis spathulata (Schwein.) Fr.
Synonyms
Sparassis herbstii Pk.[1] Sparassis caroliniense[2]

Sparassis spathulata Mycological characteristics
	Smooth hymenium
	Hymenium attachment is not applicable
	Lacks a stipe
	Spore print is white to cream
	Ecology is saprotrophic
	Edibility is choice

Description

The fruiting body forms a dome 10–40 centimetres (4–15+1⁄2 in) wide, with many pale lobes, which are usually unruffled and can be faintly zonate. It grows from a rooted stem.^[3]

Similar species

It can be confused with the more intricately lobed S. crispa^[1] and possibly S. radicata.^[3] Hydnopolyporus fimbriatus can have tattered edges and grows from a clustered mass of unrooted branches.^[3]

Distribution and habitat

Sparassis spathulata can be found between eastern Texas and northeastern North America from July to September.^[3]

Uses

It is a good edible mushroom.^[1]