Species details

Hooded false morel

Gyromitra infula

Poisonous

Description

An autumn reddish-brown false morel with a horned or saddle-folded head that contains dangerous gyromitrin.

Identification features

Head irregularly saddle- to horn-shaped, reddish-brown to chestnut, with relatively shallow folds. Stem is paler, cylindrical to compressed and may be longitudinally wrinkled. Flesh is thin and brittle.

Identification checklist

Check the autumn season, reddish-brown saddle-horned head with relatively shallow folds and paler stem.

How to separate similar species

Gyromitra esculenta mainly grows in spring and has a more brain-like folded head. Both species are dangerous; a photograph is not a basis for deciding edibility.

Habitat

Grows in autumn singly or in groups in damp places in coniferous and deciduous woodland, beside paths and on burnt ground; rare.

Fruiting period

September, October, November

Similar species

False morel (Gyromitra esculenta)
Helvella species
Gyromitra species

Extended-description sources

Gyromitra infula – gobe.si