Black Morel
Morchella elata
Do not eat any fungi that has not been properly identified by a qualified professional, some are DEADLY when ingested. All edible wild fungi MUST be cooked.
Morels belong to the Morchella genus of fungi. The black morels are often the first morels to appear on south-facing slopes in the spring. They have a dark brown or almost black cap and you will find them in large colonies near certain trees (see below) or in areas in which there were wild fires the summer before. There are nearly 70 known species of morels in the world; around 30 are endemic to North America. Morels are somewhat unpredictable because even though they have mycorrhizal associations with some trees, they are also known to appear in random locations such as in fields.
Type
Distinguishing Features
Morchella elata is a highly sought-after edible mushroom with a distinct honeycomb-like cap. The cap is narrowly conical, and dark brown to brownish -black. The heads have deep chambers in rows separated by dark ridges. Stalks are off-white to cream, mealy to the touch, and they have a hollow centre. IMPORTANT: There are false morels that are NOT edible - those caps are wrinkled not pitted and the cap hangs freely over the stem.
Height
Height can vary due to growing conditions and at what stage of growth they are at when you find them. Typically they grow between 15 to 20cm (6 to 8").
Habitat
Morels can be found all over Canada and the U.S. Black morels are often found in apple orchards and on hills covered in maple trees. They are also found with ash trees, poplar trees, and under black cherry trees. Temperature is extremely important for morel emergence. Like all morels, the black variety needs a certain ground temperature to flush, somewhere around 7 degrees C (45F). Once it's sustaining at least 7 degrees C (45F) at 10cm (4") deep for around a week, black morels will start to flush. Rain is needed for morels to fruit.
Spore Print
Deep cream to yellow.
Season
Mid-spring (usually mid-May). Black morels generally appear two weeks prior to the yellow morels. In warmer climates morels can appear as early as March and in colder climates grow until June.
Gills
N/a (pores).
Edibility
Always cook before consuming. They are usually enjoyed sauteed or added to soups, stir fries, etc.
Other Name
Common Morel.
To support our efforts please browse our store (books with medicinal info, etc.).
Winter Survival Food Handbook
Types of Wild Food
Now available! Beginner's Guide to Safely Foraging for Wild Mushrooms
