Black helvella is characterized by its distinctive coal-black, irregularly shaped cap, which somewhat resembles a saddle. It grows mainly near hardwood trees and appears typically in spring. The mushroom's stem is also black and may feature fine, white fuzz. Black helvella is a unique and interesting addition to the diversity of forest fungi.
Cap Diameter:
5 - 30 mm
Odor:
Mild, faintly pleasant, not distinctive.
In This Article
Attributes
Similar Species
Tips for Finding
Clean and Preserve
Common Questions
General Info About Black helvella
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Attributes of Black helvella
Cap Diameter
5 - 30 mm
Height
5 - 10 cm
Cap
Cap 5 - 30 mm across, 5 - 20 mm tall; lobed or saddle-shaped; exterior surface grey-brown or black, inner surface somewhat paler; usually with two upward-projecting lobes
Stem
Stem 3 - 8 mm in diameter, 4 - 8 cm long; thickening somewhat towards the base; grey-brown; not usually with multiple deep furrows
Stem Shapes
Cylindrical
Stem Cross Sections
Hollow or cottony hollow
Flesh
Thin
Ring
Ringless
Spore Print Color
White
Odor
Mild, faintly pleasant, not distinctive.
Body Color
Brown
Black
Gray
White
Flesh Bruises
The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.
Growth Form
Gregarious
Nutrient Gathering
Saprophytic
Substrate
On soil
You can find Black helvella by these plants:
Occurence Habitats
Mixed Woodland, Scrublands
Species Status
Infrequent or rare in Britain and Ireland
Endangered Species
No
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Habitat of Black helvella
Black helvella thrives in mixed woodlands and can sometimes be found in scrubby grasslands. They often grow in small groups.
