Distribution: Widespread in western and northern North America.

Habitat: Often these species can be found in large troops under conifers.

Conservation Status: Not of concern

C. ligula is indistinguishable from C. sachalinensis in the field, differing primarily by its shorter spores (12--16.5 x 3.5--4.5 vs. 18--24 x 4--6 µm). Because intermediates often can be found, it could be that only one species is involved, in which case the name C. ligula would have priority. C. lignicola is a third similar species, but has spores with average width greater than 6 µm, vs. less than 5 µm and seems to have a smaller range, occurring in Arizona, Colorado, and Utah. C. sachalinensis is widespread in western and northern North America. It was described from Sakhalin Island.

Sources: Trudell, Steve and Joe Ammirati. Mushrooms of the Pacific Northwest. Portland, Timber Press, Inc. 2009.