Carolina False Morel

Gyromitra caroliniana

Family: Discinaceae

Also called: Carolina False Morel, Big Red False Morel, Bull Nose

Carolina False Morel (Gyromitra caroliniana)
Photo:This image was created by user Ron Pastorino (Ronpast) at Mushroom Observer , a source for mycological images. You can c(CC BY-SA 3.0)View original source →

Overview

Large red-brown convoluted-cap false morel of the Southeast. Same gyromitrin toxin as G. esculenta — toxic; skip.

Edibility
Deadly poisonous
Rarity
uncommon
Trophic mode
saprotrophic
Typical peak
Apr–May

Season

Mar–Jun — typical fruiting months: Feb, Mar, Apr, May.

Host trees & substrate

  • Decaying oak wood and forest litter
  • Decaying beech wood and forest litter
  • Decaying maple wood and forest litter

Where it grows

See live fruiting predictions for Carolina False Morel on the forecast home page, or browse the full field guide.

Always confirm wild-mushroom identification with multiple sources and a knowledgeable local expert before consuming. Read the foraging safety guide.