Armillaria ponderosa (Pk.) Sacc. White Matsutake Cap 5-20cm across, convex becoming flatter with an inrolled, cottony margin becoming somewhat uplifted in age; white with flattened reddish-brownish scales and spots, particularly over the center; tacky becoming dry with streaks of brown fibers near the margin. Gills adnexed, crowded, narrow to broad; whitish staining pinkish brown. Stem 50-150 x 20-40mm, hard, firm; white becoming pinkish brown from scales and patches of veil remnants; white and cottony above the ring. Veil partial veil leaves thick, soft, membranous ring on the upper stalk. Flesh firm; white. Odor distinctly fragrant. Spores broadly ellipsoid to globose, smooth, nonamyloid, 5-7 x 4.5-5.5µ. Deposit white. Habitat scattered to numerous under pine and in sandy soil, especially near coastal areas. Common. Found in northern North America and the Rockies. Season August-November (December-February in California). Edible-excellent. Comment. Known among Orientals as the White Matsutake. This is one of the most sought after edible mushrooms.