#morchella americana

[secondhandbagofholding]

Morel Season 2023

[rebeccathenaturalist]

How to Identify Morels

Originally posted at my website at https://rebeccalexa.com/how-to-identify-morels/ - Click here to learn more about the How to Identify article series.

Name: True morels (Morchella spp.)

Range and typical habitat(s): Widespread throughout temperate North America, Europe, New Zealand and Australia; less commonly reported in South America, Asia, and coastal Africa. Morels are commonly found in wooded areas, and many species grow primarily on soil; these may have symbiotic (though not necessarily mycorrhizal) relationships with trees and other plants. Other morels, such as M. importuna, are saprotrophs that happily colonize dead wood, to include mulch used in landscaping. At least one, the white morel M. rufobrunnea, may be capable of both lifestyles. Morels are exceptionally difficult to cultivate, and no large-scale cultivation method has been developed as of this writing.

M. americana

Both deciduous and conifer forests may be homes to morels; yellow morels tend toward deciduous, while conifer forests are more likely to feature black morels. A wide variety of tree genera may be associated with morels include but are not limited to Pseudotsuga, Pinus, Abies, Quercus, Fraxinus, Alnus, and Castanea.

However, the half-free morels–M. punctipes (seen below), M. populiphila, and M. semilibera–may have a small space between the bottom edge of the cap and the stipe. The cap has a honeycombed appearance, with surfaces deeply pockmarked with cavities surrounded by brittle ridges that crumble into fragments when crushed. Colors vary, and morel species are often grouped together by cap color; black morels have a dark brown to black cap, while yellow and white morels are more tan to cream.

M. punctipes, cut in half to show hollow centers, and only the upper portion of the caps attached to the stipes. Photo by Chase G. Mayers, CCA-4.0

The stipe may be lightly textured, and is usually lighter in color than the cap, often white, cream, or pale yellow depending on species. Cutting a morel’s stipe open reveals that it is entirely hollow inside. A mature morel is generally around three to six inches high, though larger specimens have been found.

M. americana with the top removed, showing the hollow interior.

The stipe may be lightly textured, and is usually lighter in color than the cap, often white, cream, or pale yellow depending on species. Cutting a morel’s stipe open reveals that it is entirely hollow inside. A mature morel is generally around three to six inches high, though larger specimens have been found.

A vintage illustration shows three morels, to include one cut in half to display the hollow center; the mushroom in the lower left is a false morel (Gyromitra esculenta).

Other organisms it could be confused with and how to tell the difference: There are multiple groups of mushrooms that look similar enough to morels to cause confusion; given morels are a popular edible mushroom, consumption of some of these lookalikes has caused serious illness on numerous occasions.

V. bohemica; note that the bottom edge of the cap is not attached to the stipe, and that it has more of a wrinkled appearance than honeycombed. By NeoSporen, CCA-SA-3.0.

Members of the genus Verpa look similar to half-free morels in that the bottom edge of the cap is not attached to the stipe. However, when cut in half the half-free morels have more of the upper portion of the cap attached to the stipe; Verpas only have the very tip attached. Outwardly they do look quite similar to morels overall, often having a conical cap with a honeycombed texture; some may have less distinct cavities and a more “lumpy” appearance rather than honeycombed. The cap of the Verpa is generally smaller in proportion to the stipe than on mature morels. The stipes of young Verpas are full of soft, fluffy hyphae, but they become hollow like morels as they mature.

V. conica, showing one cut in half. Note that the cap is only attached to the stipe at the very top, and there is still some fungal hyphae tissue in the center of the stipe. Photo by Jeff Riedenauer (Tamsenite), CCA-SA-3.0.

Like morels, they are considered by some to be edible when thoroughly cooked. However, one study purports that V. bohemica is also toxic, having the same sort of toxins as the false morels I’ll discuss below. Some field guides recommend avoiding the other Verpa species as well due to potential inedibility. Both Verpas and morels fruit in spring, and may sometimes be found in the same area. As someone who would like to become an old, rather than bold, mushroom hunter, I recommend skipping the Verpas and sticking to the true morels, just in case.

A false morel (Gyromitra spp.); notice that instead of looking like a cone made of honeycomb, it resembles a raisin or a brain on a stalk.

False morels, in the genus Gyromitra, are a more notorious morel lookalike. Several species contain significant levels of gyromitrin, a compound that when boiled or consumed hydrolizes into monomethylhydrazine, a chemical used in making rocket fuel. Consumption may cause gastrointestinal distress, neurological symptoms, kidney and liver failure, coma, and failure of the respiratory and circulatory systems. The most severe cases result in death within a week after consuming false morels. Some species have more gyromitrin than others, and it’s likely that the compound can build up over time in people who eat false morels on a regular basis. While there are purported methods used to reduce or remove gyromitrin from false morels, as a foraging instructor I do not recommend consuming any Gyromitra false morels due to the risk of severe illness.

G. californica. Note that the stipe is not completely hollow inside, but has several cavities divided by fungal tissue. Photo by Alan Rockefeller, CCA-SA-4.0.

So how do you tell the difference? Where true morels look like honeycombed cones, false morels look like brains, oversized raisins, or piles of worms. If you cut a true morel open the stipe will be completely hollow, but the interior of a false morel may have multiple smaller chambers or be completely solid. It is exceptionally important to make sure you get a sure identification on whatever species you are picking, as true and false morels fruit in spring, and sometimes in the same areas.

M. angusticeps

Anything else worth mentioning? Morels are definitely one of those mushrooms you want to cook thoroughly before eating, as raw or undercooked morels can cause gastrointestinal distress. Also, if you hang around mushroom foragers long enough, you’ll hear all sorts of advice–some of it conflicting–about when and where to find morels. It’s true that they fruit in spring, starting in lower elevations where it warms up sooner, and then higher elevations as spring temperatures continue to rise. South-facing slopes that warm up faster with sunlight may also see earlier fruiting. And, of course, places that burned or were logged in the last year or two may see a bumper crop of morels the following spring. Many patches of morel mycelium only last a few years, so the place you found morels one year may not fruit the next.

Beyond that, it’s best to study up on the species of morel that grow in your area. Find out what sorts of habitats they like, if they’re associated with any particular trees, whether they are responsive to burns and other disturbances, and whether there are any toxic look-alikes that grow nearby.

Further reading:

The Great Morel

Mushroom Expert: Morchellaceae

Tom Volk’s Morel Page

Mushroom Appreciation: Morel Mushroom

Did you enjoy this post? Consider taking one of my online foraging and natural history classes, checking out my other articles, or picking up a paperback or ebook I’ve written! You can even buy me a coffee here!

[spookysoyboy]

Recent finds of morel mushrooms (morchella americana), a deer skull, and delicate new maple leaves

[on-my-way-to-the-woods]

[ID: The sun illuminates a light colored morel mushroom]

Glorious

[cedar-glade]

Stereum hirsutum,  Sarcoscypha coccinea, Morchella americana 

@letsgetplanty’s specimen jar might have an ideal gathering of early spring fungus

https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79119_92603_92605-496116--,00.html  < for fun

[shemakesmusic-uk]

This segment features artists who have submitted their tracks/videos to She Makes Music. If you would like to be featured here then please send an e-mail to shemakesmusic@hotmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

Morchella

Newcomer Morchella releases self-produced debut single ‘Coat of Arms’. ”For me this track is an expression of the complexities of every individual and just how much ‘lies beneath the surface’," explains Morchella. "I wanted to take the listener on an atmospheric journey.” ‘Coat of Arms’ is a perfect blend of ethereal production and songwriting. It creeps from an electronic soundscape into a Kate Bush swirl and into a Sigur Ros build, with haunting backing vocals throughout. Morchella is a London based musician, producer and multi-instrumentalist, drawing inspiration from the likes of Agnes Obel, Jonsi, Radiohead, Sharon Van Etten and Bat for Lashes. She’s been busy working on new material with award nominated sound engineer Shuta Shinoda (Jehnny Beth, Hot Chip, Ghostpoet, Daughter), recording at Hackney Road Studios along with a very talented band.

Morchella · Coat of Arms

Emi Jeen

The story of Montreal-based alt-pop artist Emi Jeen is brimming with emotion, heartbreak, wisdom and triumph. With her songs that tell her tale: at once hopeful and nostalgic; wistful and urgent; raw and graceful. Emi says of her new single 'Runaway': "When I first began to write the lyrics for this song, I was in LA and just wanted to escape reality. I wasn't comfortable in my current situation, having so many disappointments fighting the music business for the last 10 years. I often feel so different when I'm in another country and feel like there's so many new opportunities that I feel like another person. On that trip, I began to see a little light out of the blurriness and started writing in the backyard of my Airbnb. Two years later, back in the studio, the song came to life. With the confinement and closed borders we are facing now, the urge to escape is heightened. It's okay to start all over again and to take risks. I hope 'Runaway' serves as a reminder that it’s never too late to change things around and move on and take a different path."

EMI JEEN · Runaway

Excorde

Musically, Excorde's songs feature a very broad yet cohesive influence and fusion of 80's and 90’s rock genres, from adult-oriented, classic, alternative, indie, progressive, alt. country, pop, metal, to the most important element of all: Excorde's truly original sound. Lyrically, expect to find thoughtful and deeply moving phrasings about experiences in love and life. Jimena’s emotional voice combined with Jonnie’s distinctive instrumental constructions will transport you to another dimension where catchy choruses, killer guitar riffs, and meaningful lyrics are imbued throughout the listening experience with Excorde.  The duo had this to say about their new single 'All the Way Back Home': "This is a melodic hard rock tune about plucking up the courage to end a dangerous relationship and finding refuge where you feel safe.  This song has sections ranging broadly from intimate to epic, full of rising actions, thematic variations with intriguing resolutions sure to keep your attention throughout the song.  The song also happens to be graced with the amazing 5-string violin talent of IceRequiem (Rachel Brick)."

jonnie cook · All The Way Back Home ~ (NEW MIX 7/13/2020)

The Crayon Set

The Dublin-based band specialise in catchy, alternative pop. The band released their debut album in April 2013.  Its follow-up, Lost Languages was released in 2017. The album was a move away from the indie pop of their debut and was in part a homage to many of their favourite 'Americana' artists. The band have just finished recording their third album Downer Disco with producer Stephen Shannon and it is scheduled for release later in 2020. Check out new single 'Summer Song' below. The Crayon Set are an exciting live band and have played many of the top Irish festivals and venues. Their dynamic live shows feature tight vocal harmonies, instrument swapping and occasionally some giant inflatable crayons.

The Crayon Set · Summer Song

S.K. Wellington

S.K. Wellington is a Calgary based Folk/rock singer-songwriter. Acoustically driven with relatable themes and catchy hooks. Formerly The Wellington Folk. S.K. Wellington had this to say about her latest single: "'Like a Ghost' came to me following the loss of a significant relationship. It would have made for an epic country song (they took the dog and all!) but I decided to go in a different direction. I was so broken that all of my inhibitions and fears about music, arranging, and producing, went right out the window. I needed to pursue this radically different process and new sound for my own healing and passion. I've realized that a relationship ending in a tough way doesn't always have to result in anger and resentment. You can allow that powerless feeling, the intense hurt and the grief, to soften you. I found a lot of compassion for both myself and the other, as I fell apart and then started to build my life back up again. There can be a balance while adjusting to a new normal."

S.K. Wellington · Like A Ghost

Tiffany Johnson

Tiffany is a singer-songwriter with a fresh new style. Her songs are a mix of country and pop with honest lyrics and unique melodies. Surrounded by music from a young age, Tiffany was a natural writer and performer. She fell in love with the idea of being able to capture a moment or feeling through her lyrics. She hopes that with each song she writes, someone will be able to identify with it and feel like they are understood. "My new single 'Out of My Head' tells the story of someone trying to move on. I think sometimes memories come back at the most unexpected times. Even when you think you have moved on, something will randomly remind you of the past. The song is all about trying to get those memories out of your head."

[wildthingsadventures]

Morchella americana and Morchella punctipes. These kids are better at finding morels than I am! #morelsinindiana #covid19withkids https://www.instagram.com/p/B_i_IRklCp0/?igshid=chykxqwq05ed