Sparassis herbstii Pk. Fruit body a large mass of flattened, wavy, or lobed branches, the whole fungus resembling a cabbage or cauliflower-like mass, 15-30cm across, 15-20cm high. Individual branches are a pale creamy yellow and are variously lobed, curled, and twisted, uniting at the base into a root-like structure. Flesh tough; white. Odor pleasant. Taste pleasant. Spores ovate, smooth,
4-7 x 3-4µ. Deposit white. Habitat at base of trees, often pine or oak. Found in eastern North America. Season July-October. Edible-good. Comment This fungus is often called Sparassis crispa Wulf. ex Fr., but the true crispa has much tighter, more densely packed, smaller lobes. The last picture was sent to me by Darryl Christensen, many thanks.