Species details
White saddle
Helvella crispa
Conditional / expert preparation
Photo: abumadsen · CC0 · Photo source · License
Description
A whitish autumn saddle fungus with an irregular strongly folded cap and deeply longitudinally ribbed stem.
Identification features
The 2–5 cm cap consists of two to four whitish or ochre irregular lobes. The stem is whitish, hollow, and strongly ribbed and furrowed.
Identification checklist
Check the whitish saddle-shaped cap and especially the strongly longitudinally ribbed and furrowed stem. Helvella is a difficult group and may need microscopic confirmation.
How to separate similar species
Helvella lacunosa is usually grey to dark, but shape is highly variable. Do not treat all saddle fungi as safe to eat based on appearance alone.
Habitat
Grows in groups on woodland soil, beside ditches, paths and roads, and in scrub, mainly in autumn.
Fruiting period
September, October, November