False Morel

gyromitra esculenta

The False Morel mushroom looks like a brain with its wavy, lobed shape! It's a fun fungus to find in the forest, but be careful, it's not safe to eat!

Habitat: False Morels typically grow in sandy or loamy soil in forests, especially under trees like pines and oaks.

Appearance

The False Morel has a brain-like or convoluted cap, typically reddish-brown to dark brown, unlike the honeycomb-like pits of true morels. Its irregular, lobed cap often appears wrinkled, giving it a unique, crumpled look, distinguishing it from edible varieties.

KingdomFungiPhylumAscomycotaClassPezizomycetesOrderPezizalesFamilyDiscinaceaeGenusGyromitra

Photo: ChristianSWCC0 · Wikimedia CommonsView original ↗

False Morel

Interesting facts

Cooking often doesn't remove all the dangerous chemicals from this tricky fungus.

It was once sold as an edible delicacy in some countries, but no longer!

Its unique brain-like cap looks like something from an alien planet!

This mushroom contains a deadly toxin that can affect your brain and liver!

Special abilities

False Morel can produce a dangerous chemical called gyromitrin that helps protect it from being eaten.

False Morel has a shape that closely mimics edible morels, helping it spread spores.

False Morel can help break down organic matter because it is a saprobic fungus, which helps recycle nutrients.

Measurements & details

Height: 5-15 cm
Edible: deadly
Size: 3-15 cm
Growth Substrate: soil
Season: Spring to early summer
Spore Color: Yellowish-brown

Ecological connections

Depends on

Eastern White Pine

Pinus strobus

Relies on its decaying needles and wood for nutrients.

Depends on

Balsam Fir

Abies balsamea

Grows using organic matter from this coniferous tree.

Depends on

American Beech

Fagus grandifolia

Uses decaying leaf litter from this forest tree.

Traits

Solitary

Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.

Colorful

Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.

Decomposer

Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.

Forest

Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.

Also known as

Brain MushroomEaster MushroomMickey Mouse MushroomMushroom of DeathTurkey Kidney

Collections

Fungi

Safety

Danger

4/5 · High

Do not touch or eat this mushroom without adult supervision.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify False Morel?

Compare the cap shape, the underside, the stem and base, and whether the fungus grows on wood or soil. Some fungi have gills, others pores or teeth. A cap seen only from above often hides the most useful features. Mushroom Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

How tall is False Morel?

5-15 cm

Is False Morel edible?

deadly

How big is False Morel?

3-15 cm

Where is False Morel usually found?

False Morels typically grow in sandy or loamy soil in forests, especially under trees like pines and oaks.

What does False Morel grow on?

soil

When is False Morel in season?

Spring to early summer