Common Morel (Europe)

Morchella esculenta

Family: Morchellaceae

Common Morel (Europe) (Morchella esculenta)
Photo:TOMMES-WIKI(CC BY-SA 3.0)View original source →

Overview

The classic European yellow morel. Honeycomb cap fused at the base to a hollow white stem. Old orchards, ash woodland, riverbanks. Spring only — must be cooked.

Edibility
Edible
Rarity
common
Trophic mode
saprotrophic

Host trees & substrate

  • Local forest substrate

Key identification features

  • Pitted-honeycomb cap, fused at base to stem
  • Fully hollow throughout
  • Pits arranged irregularly
  • Spring after soil warms above 50F

See live fruiting predictions for Common Morel (Europe) 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.