It has a tan to reddish brown cap which is lobed and often gathered into 2 or 3 points, creating a saddle like look. The underside is creamy to tan. The cap is about 1 ½ inches to 3 inches wide. The stalk or stem is white and about 1 inch to 4 inches long. The cap is not attached to the stalk except at the very tip, while most true morels have the cap fused to the stalk for its entire length
This mushroom is found under hardwoods in the spring. It is uncommon in Fontenelle Forest and has been found on the floodplain, the entrance to Mormon Hollow and off the upland boardwalk. Recently (May,2013)it was found on Oak Trail.
Commonly known as elephant ears. Also known as Gyromitra fastigiata. One of several common species of false morels found in the spring around the same time as the true morels. They superficially resemble the morels and often grow close to one another. The false morels are considered poisonous and shouldn’t be eaten. Its toxins can cause blood poisoning, diarrhea, severe headaches and vomiting.
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