Synonyms: Merisma spathulatum, Solenia annulata, Sparassis herbstii, Sparassis simplex.
Common name: Eastern cauliflower mushroom.
Sparassis spathulata is a rare, fan- or spatula-shaped fungus that grows on the ground in association with pine trees. In East and Central Texas, it typically fruits from July to November, often in sandy soils under loblolly or shortleaf pines. The fruiting body is 5-20 cm wide, with wavy, branched, and flattened branches that are pale yellow to cream-colored. It has a sweet, earthy odor and a soft, fragile texture.
Cauliflower mushroom (Sparassis spathulata) in Little Lake Creek Loop Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Richards, Texas, September 26, 2009
Eastern cauliflower mushroom (Sparassis spathulata) near a rotting pine on Winters Bayou Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Cleveland, Texas, August 27, 2022
Lone Star Hiking Trail, San Jacinto County, Texas, 77328, United States
Lobes of Eastern cauliflower mushroom (Sparassis spathulata) on Winters Bayou Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Cleveland, Texas, August 27, 2022Lone Star Hiking Trail, San Jacinto County, Texas, 77328, United States
Eastern cauliflower mushroom (Sparassis spathulata) under pines on Winters Bayou Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Cleveland, Texas, August 27, 2022Lone Star Hiking Trail, San Jacinto County, Texas, 77328, United States
Close-up of Eastern cauliflower mushroom (Sparassis spathulata) on Winters Bayou Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Cleveland, Texas, August 27, 2022Lone Star Hiking Trail, San Jacinto County, Texas, 77328, United States
Top view of Eastern cauliflower mushroom (Sparassis spathulata) on Winters Bayou Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Cleveland, Texas, August 27, 2022Lone Star Hiking Trail, San Jacinto County, Texas, 77328, United States
Clusters of eastern cauliflower mushrooms (Sparassis spathulata) near a large rotting pine on Winters Bayou Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Cleveland, Texas, August 27, 2022Lone Star Hiking Trail, San Jacinto County, Texas, 77328, United States
Eastern cauliflower mushrooms (Sparassis spathulata) near a large rotting pine on Winters Bayou Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Cleveland, Texas, August 27, 2022Lone Star Hiking Trail, San Jacinto County, Texas, 77328, United States
Eastern cauliflower mushroom (Sparassis spathulata) on Winters Bayou Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Cleveland, Texas, August 27, 2022Lone Star Hiking Trail, San Jacinto County, Texas, 77328, United States
Pattern of eastern cauliflower mushroom (Sparassis spathulata) on Winters Bayou Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Cleveland, Texas, August 27, 2022Lone Star Hiking Trail, San Jacinto County, Texas, 77328, United States
Close-up view of eastern cauliflower mushroom (Sparassis spathulata) on Winters Bayou Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Cleveland, Texas, August 27, 2022Lone Star Hiking Trail, San Jacinto County, Texas, 77328, United States
Cross section of eastern cauliflower mushroom (Sparassis spathulata) on Winters Bayou Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Cleveland, Texas, August 27, 2022Lone Star Hiking Trail, San Jacinto County, Texas, 77328, United States
Rosette of cauliflower mushroom (Sparassis spathulata) near a rotting pine on Winters Bayou Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Cleveland, Texas, September 24, 2022Lone Star Hiking Trail, San Jacinto County, Texas, 77328, United States
Spores of cauliflower mushroom (Sparassis spathulata) collected a day before on Winters Bayou Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Cleveland, Texas, September 24, 2022Observations of Sparassis spathulata in East and Central Texas reveal that the fungus grows near rotting pines, often in clusters or rosettes. It was found on Little Lake Creek Loop Trail in Richards, Texas, and Winters Bayou Trail in Cleveland, Texas, with multiple sightings on August 27, 2022, and September 24, 2022. The fungus displays a distinctive cauliflower-like appearance with lobes and a unique pattern. Close-up views and cross-sections show its intricate details. Spores were also collected, indicating the fungus's reproductive stage. The observations suggest that Sparassis spathulata thrives in association with decaying pine trees in the region, particularly in Sam Houston National Forest. Its growth patterns and habitats are consistent across different locations and times, providing insights into its ecology and behavior.
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