Matsutake has been found from Alaska to Mexico. Commercial harvesting in Mexico begins in late July and continues through October. Habitat is primarily confined to teocote pine habitat at higher elevations. Fruiting is found in remote locations, making it difficult to transport mushrooms from harvesters to market. Infrastructure, roads and airports are great distances from harvest area. Harvesters and mushroom companies have been cooperating to develop efficient transport means since the late 1980's. Exploration for new areas is continuing. The southern range of matsutake has not been established. Harvesters are now prospecting into Guatemala.