Western Cauliflower Mushroom

Sparassis radicata

Family: Sparassidaceae

Also called: Western Cauliflower Mushroom, Cauliflower Mushroom, Douglas-Fir Cauliflower

Western Cauliflower Mushroom (Sparassis radicata)
Photo:voir ci-dessous / see below(CC BY 3.0)View original source →

Overview

Pacific cauliflower mushroom. Parasitizes living Douglas-fir (primary), occasionally true fir and pine. Same root system returns annually for decades. Fall species — Aug–Nov in the PNW, Sep–Nov in the Rockies, Oct–Jan in coastal California. Sparassis crispa is the European sister species and does not occur in North America.

Edibility
Edible
Rarity
uncommon
Trophic mode
parasitic-saprotrophic
Typical peak
Sep

Season

Aug–Oct — typical fruiting months: Jul, Aug, Sep.

Host trees & substrate

  • Spruce-fir base

Where it grows

See live fruiting predictions for Western Cauliflower Mushroom on the forecast home page, or browse the full field guide.

Always confirm wild-mushroom identification with multiple sources and a knowledgeable local expert before consuming. Read the foraging safety guide.