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Snow morel

Gyromitra gigas

A species of False morel, Also known as Snow false morel, Bull nose

The Giant Lorchel (Gyromitra gigas) is a species of fungus from the family Lorrach relatives. Characteristic are the relatively large fruiting bodies with ocher-brown, lobed hats.

Cap Diameter:

1 - 4 cm

Odor:

Mildly spicy and pleasantly fungal.

General Info About Snow morel

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Attributes of Snow morel

Cap Diameter

1 - 4 cm

Height

5 - 10 cm

Cap

Cap 1 - 4 cm across; tan to yellow brown; with loosely wrinkled, finely dusted

Stem

Stem 2 - 10 cm long, 2 - 6 cm thick; pale tan to white

Stem Shapes

Club Shaped

Stem Cross Sections

Hollow or cottony hollow

Flesh

Brittle; whitish

Ring

Ringless

Spore Print Color

Yellow to buff

Odor

Mildly spicy and pleasantly fungal.

Body Color

Brown

Yellow

Red

White

Growth Form

Solitary, Scattered

Nutrient Gathering

Saprophytic

You can find Snow morel by these plants:

Spruces, Firs, Norway spruce

Species Status

Common

Endangered Species

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Habitat of Snow morel

Conifers

Scientific Classification of Snow morel

Phylum

Class

Order

Family

Genus

Toxicity and Edibility of Snow morel

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Is Snow morel Toxic?

Snow morel is a neurotoxic mushroom, typically found in snowy regions during winter and early spring. Notable for its large, brain-like cap, it poses human harm upon consumption, manifesting effects like dizziness, visual disturbances, and potentially severe neurological damage. Identification should be left to trained mycologists to avoid confusion with safe species.

Toxins type

Gyromitrin

Type of poisoning

Neurotoxic

Toxic Severity

High toxicity

Incubation Period

6-24 hours

Poisoning Symptoms

Symptoms may include dizziness, severe headache, visual disturbances, and muscle weakness. In more severe cases, individuals may experience seizures, loss of consciousness, or even coma. Persistent or worsening symptoms may signal severe damage to the nervous system.

Is Snow morel Toxic to Dogs?

Like several other mushrooms in the Gyromitra genus, snow morel contains hydrazines which are highly poisonous to dogs. Though snow morel contains far lower amounts of these toxic agents than other species, you may still want to take your dog to the vet if he eats this mushroom. Symptoms of hydrazine poisoning range from vomiting and diarrhea to seizures, lethargy, and coma.