False morel

The name false morel is given to a number of Ascomycete fungi which bear a resemblance to the highly regarded true morels of the genus Morchella. It may be applied to several species in the genus Gyromitra, including:

G. esculenta (brain or beefsteak mushroom)
G. infula (elfin saddle)
G. caroliniana (big red)
G. gigas (snow morel)

The name is also sometimes used for mushrooms of the genus Verpa, including: V. bohemica (early or wrinkled thimble morel)
V. conica (bell or thimble morel)

The edibility of all "false morels" has been recently brought into question. While many people eat them without apparent harm, some people have developed acute toxicity and recent evidence suggests that there may be long-term health risks as well. Eating any false morel is not recommended, at least until more is known about possible toxins.

False morel

See also