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EXPLORE > PLANTS > FUNGI
Morchella elata
Like the golden chanterelle, the black morel is a popular food in the Pacific Northwest. The cap is funnel shaped and has a distinctive honeycomb pattern. Morels come in a variety of colors (white, yellow, gray and brown) and will darken to black as the plant ages. This darkening is particularly noticeable on the edges of this honeycomb structure.
It is very difficult to cultivate these mushrooms so they are typically gathered in the wild and constitute a multi-million dollar industry in North America alone. They are highly prized for culinary purposes.
This fungus should not be confused with the various false morels (genus Verpa and Helvella) which are poisonous.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Most forms of mushroom are poisonous! No mushroom should be eaten unless you know exactly what you are doing or have an experienced, knowledgable person to guide you.
Distribution
There are 80 species of morels in the world, found in North and South America, Europe, Asia and the Near East. In the Pacific Northwest, black morels typically appear in the early spring, growing on the ground either as a single specimen or in small groups. They are often found near the base of conifers.
Conservation Status
Common.
Morchella elata
Like the golden chanterelle, the black morel is a popular food in the Pacific Northwest. The cap is funnel shaped and has a distinctive honeycomb pattern. Morels come in a variety of colors (white, yellow, gray and brown) and will darken to black as the plant ages. This darkening is particularly noticeable on the edges of this honeycomb structure.
It is very difficult to cultivate these mushrooms so they are typically gathered in the wild and constitute a multi-million dollar industry in North America alone. They are highly prized for culinary purposes.
This fungus should not be confused with the various false morels (genus Verpa and Helvella) which are poisonous.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Most forms of mushroom are poisonous! No mushroom should be eaten unless you know exactly what you are doing or have an experienced, knowledgable person to guide you.
Distribution
There are 80 species of morels in the world, found in North and South America, Europe, Asia and the Near East. In the Pacific Northwest, black morels typically appear in the early spring, growing on the ground either as a single specimen or in small groups. They are often found near the base of conifers.
Conservation Status
Common.
