Morels are highly prized mushrooms! But inexperienced pickers can confuse it with the false morel (Gyromitra esculenta).
However, if you pay attention, there is no reason to confuse the Morel mushroom with the False Morel mushroom.
False Morel, Edible Or Poisonous?
This mushroom is indeed poisonous! It is responsible for many poisonings. Moreover, and according to a scientific study published in August 2021, its consumption is linked to many cases of ALS (Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease).
This mushroom is not referenced on our Maps. Why? Because it is not edible! Nevertheless, if you want to find morel mushrooms, there is a solution to directly find the most favorable areas. Check out our Morel Mushroom Maps here!
What Happens If You Eat A False Morel?
This fungus can be deadly. Unfortunately, it is sometimes mistakenly picked by people looking for morels (Morchella).
But what actually happens when a person is intoxicated by this mushroom? She usually doesn’t feel any symptoms right away. It is necessary to wait, in general, from 6 to 24 hours. Early symptoms include stomach pain, vomiting and neurological disorders, in some cases coma.
The toxic molecule, named gyromitrin, affects the central nervous system and damages the victim’s liver and possibly the kidneys. If this mushroom is consumed in a significant way (one dish may be enough) then it can cause death a few days after ingestion.
False Morel Mushroom Identification
This mushroom looks like a morel, the only reliable criterion that must be remembered is the appearance of the cap: it is formed of convolutions, like a brain.
Cap
The cap is cerebriform (brain-shaped). Often brown. Note the absence of real cells. This is a good criterion to identify it.
Stem
The stipe is creamy white, full at first then hollow in adulthood.
Growing Areas
The False Morel grow on acid soils! It is therefore rare to find them in the same places as the Morel mushroom.
Find The Best Places For Morel Mushrooms!
Do you really know how to find morels?! If you’re not sure, then check out our Morel Mushroom Maps!
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