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False morel

Gyromitra esculenta

A species of False morel, Also known as Elephant ears, Beefsteak mushroom, Lorel, Conifer false morel

Though the delicious common morel (Morchella esculenta) has few look-alikes, this species perhaps comes the closest. Caps of the false morel (Gyromitra esculenta) may fool foragers looking for a tasty treat, but this species is toxic. To distinguish, note that the conical caps of the false morel are folded, appearing brain-like, while morels have holes in their caps, with a honeycomb appearance. When cut open, morels have hollow stems and caps, whereas those of false morels are usually filled in or stringy, at the least.

Cap Diameter:

5 - 12 cm

Odor:

Mild, slightly sweet, non-distinctive.

General Info About False morel

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Attributes of False morel

Cap Diameter

5 - 12 cm

Height

5 - 15 cm

Cap

Cap 3 - 12 cm across; irregular, brainlike; brown

Stem

Stem 3 - 9 cm long, 1 - 3.5 cm thick; whitish to ocher; smooth

Stem Shapes

Cylindrical

Stem Surfaces

Smooth

Stem Cross Sections

Hollow or cottony hollow

Flesh

Thin; brittle; whitish to tan

Ring

Ringless

Spore Print Color

Yellowish buff

Odor

Mild, slightly sweet, non-distinctive.

Body Color

Brown

Black

Red

White

Pink

Flesh Bruises

The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.

Growth Form

Solitary, Scattered, Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Mycorrhizal, Saprophytic

Substrate

On soil, Wood Chips or Mulch, Dead Woods

You can find False morel by these plants:

Balsam fir, Big-tooth aspen, Pines, Spruces

Occurence Habitats

Coniferous Woodland

Species Status

Widely distributed

Endangered Species

How to Identify False morel

Fruiting Body Cap Stem

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Habitat of False morel

The false morel can be found in disturbed woodland settings, mostly in mountainous regions. It grows on the ground, in soil or duff, under a coniferous or deciduous tree.

Distribution Area of False morel

North America,Europe,North Africa,Central America,Asia

Scientific Classification of False morel

Phylum

Class

Order

Family

Genus

Toxicity and Edibility of False morel

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Is False morel Toxic?

False morel has notable toxicity. Its primary toxic compound is gyromitrin. This toxicity can lead to severe illness or even death by damaging red blood cells and the liver. Moreover, cooking doesn't completely eliminate the danger, as the toxin evaporates into the air, posing a health hazard when inhaled. Despite its nickname "Brain Mushroom" and its attractive appearance, the risk it presents makes this mushroom a hazardous choice. It's highly advised to avoid consuming false morel due to its significant toxicity.

Toxins type

Gyromitrin

Type of poisoning

Neurotoxic

Toxic Severity

Extreme toxicity

Incubation Period

6-24 hours

Is False morel Toxic to Dogs?

False morel is a poisonous mushroom that can occasionally be fatal to dogs. Symptoms of ingestion include diarrhea and vomiting and medical assistance should be sought if your dog displays these symptoms after consuming any mushroom. False morel mushrooms are most common in spring and summer, so the risk of poisoning is greatest in these seasons.

Similar Species to False morel

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Tips for Finding False morel

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What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for False morel

Sandy soil rich in woody debris.

What are Some Tips for Finding False morel

Search around pine and other coniferous trees in areas with forest debris.
Focus on woodlands that have a considerable amount of fallen branches and pine needles on the ground.
Examine sandy soil patches beneath conifer trees, as false morel tends to grow there.
Look for false morel in well-drained areas where the soil is not oversaturated with water.