
Pictured are multiple examples of Morchella americana (Morchella esculentoides), also known as the common morel or yellow morel. The genus contains a wide variety of species that range in color, morphology, and habitat.
Description:
The cap is typically egg shaped with a blunt conical apex. Although they are often found twisted or bent (pictured). The cap contains randomly arranged/oriented pits and ridges. The cap is gold/brown when young, becoming pale yellow with lighter ridges and slightly darker pits. The ridges can become darker brown/reddish with age but the flesh does not stain. The cap and stem are both hollow and directly attached. The stem is usually swollen at the base and pale yellow/white in color and sometimes contains fine “granules” on its surface, although typically smooth.
Habitat:
The ecology of this genus is not entirely understood. Many species appear to form mycorrhizal relationships with trees, while others appear to act as saprotrophs. The common morel is typically found in close proximity to hardwoods. Foragers regularly report finding them near ash trees, apple orchards, tulip trees, cottonwood trees, and dying elm trees. They can be found growing alone, scattered, or gregariously in a variety of different ecosystems.
Season:
This genus is known for its springtime fruiting. Occasionally some species can be found fruiting in the fall when summer temperatures begin to drop, but this is far more rare.
Edibility:
Morels have a unique flavor that is highly prized by chefs worldwide. They are also thought to contain small amounts of hydrazine toxins that can be destroyed with heat (although no definitive sources were found for confirmation). For safety, morels should always be cooked before consumption. The texture is meaty and the flavor is nutty, deep, and savory.
Look-a-likes:
A variety of different fungi fall under the "false morel" blanket, which encompasses a range of species in the Gyromitra, Verpa, and Helvella generas. Many of these have darker brown/red caps with wavy ridges/folds rather than the honeycomb shape of a true morel. True morels are hollow, while many imposters typically contain a cotton-like fiber filling.