Like Sparassis americana, Sparassis spathulata (Schwein.) Fr.
is parasitic and saprotrophic with its hosts; primarily oaks, but also pines. It emerges from the base of these trees from July through October. This species has less curly ‘leaves’ than Sparassis americana. They usually show some zonation along the spoon-like undulating branches (flabellae). They are quite delicious when relatively young, but are tougher as they age. It is in the Sparassidaceae family of the Polyporales order.