Since the early 2000s, molecular data has indicated the presence of separate species in the prior group, with only those found in the Eastern United States and Canada retaining the name T. magnivelare.

[5] The mycelium is thought to be parasitized by the plant Allotropa virgata,[6] which primarily feeds on matsutake.

Tissue disruption of the sporocarp produces large amounts of 1-octen-3-ol, a compound found in many mushrooms that has a typical mushroom-like odour.

[5] Other similar species include Catathelasma imperiale, C. ventricosum, Russula brevipes, and the poisonous Amanita smithiana.

The mushrooms are then shipped fresh by air to Asia where demand is high and prices are at a premium.