[2] The following species are recognised in the genus Sparassis:[3] The best-known and most widely collected species are S. crispa (found in Europe and eastern North America) and S. radicata (found in western North America).

The folds may contain dirt and other material because, as it grows, the basidiocarp envelops objects such as pine needles.

Italian gastronome Antonio Carluccio said that European S. crispa should be picked when creamy white, because once yellow it is too indigestible to eat.

[10] The dry weight of the basidiocarp was found to contain up to 43.6% Beta-glucan,[11] which was approved for the treatment of cancer [12] in Japan and most recently recommended for COVID-19 patients to overcome inflammation.

[13] Experiments suggest that S. crispa contains chemicals that may stimulate the immune system and has many biological properties including: anti-tumor,[14][15][16] antiviral activity (reverse transcriptase inhibitory activity),[17] neuroprotection,[18] cardioprotection,[19] anti-inflammation,[20] hyperlipidemia,[21] anti-diabetic medication,[22] antimicrobial compounds,[23][24][25] and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).