Key takeaways
- Ophiocordyceps sinensis is a rare, wild Himalayan fungus that grows on moth larvae.
- Cordyceps militaris is a cultivated orange relative used in most modern products.
- Many “Cordyceps sinensis” products are actually tank-fermented mycelium.
- The species differ chemically; research on one doesn’t transfer to the other.
Two quite different fungi are sold under the name “Cordyceps”. One is rare, wild and extraordinarily expensive; the other is cultivated and widely available. Knowing the difference is essential when choosing a Cordyceps product.
Ophiocordyceps sinensis
Found at high altitude on the Tibetan Plateau and in the Himalayas, O. sinensis grows on the larvae of ghost moths. The dried larva and fungus are collected by hand each spring. Its rarity has made it one of the most expensive natural products in the world, and it has not been cultivated as a fruiting body on a commercial scale. It was known for many years as Cordyceps sinensis, before being reclassified.
Cordyceps militaris
C. militaris produces small, bright orange, club-shaped fruiting bodies. In the wild it grows on moth and butterfly pupae, including in Britain, where it is known as the scarlet caterpillarclub. Crucially, it can be cultivated without insects, which is why it underpins most modern Cordyceps products.
Side by side
| O. sinensis | C. militaris | |
|---|---|---|
| Where it grows | High-altitude Himalayas | Widespread, including Britain |
| Colour | Brown, on a larva | Bright orange |
| Cultivated fruiting bodies | Not commercially | Yes |
| Availability | Rare, very expensive | Widely available |
The “CS-4” confusion
Many older products labelled “Cordyceps sinensis” actually contain mycelium from a fermentation strain, originally isolated from wild material, grown in tanks. This is neither species’ fruiting body. Read labels carefully.
Compounds
The two species differ chemically. C. militaris is particularly associated with cordycepin. Research on one species can’t simply be applied to the other.
Our Cordyceps
Our Cordyceps tincture uses UK-grown Cordyceps militaris fruiting bodies. See The Complete Guide to Cordyceps.
