The unpalatable
Clavariadelphus caespitosus differs in that the head is rounded, the body has reddish tones, and it grows in tight, mat-forming clusters where the bases are often joined. The unpalatable
Clavariadelphus occidentalis differs in that the head is rounded and the sides are flattened. A number of other inedible species, such as
Clavariadelphus subfastigiatus and
Clavariadelphus ligula are somewhat similar in appearance, but differ in that the head is rounded, not truncated.