The Morels of Spring: Intro to a favorite mushroom

by Ben Tucker, ACWA Board member & mushroom enthusiast

Black Morel (image credit: iNaturalist)

Whether it’s the sound of spring peeper frogs, ruby throated hummingbirds, or dogwoods breaking bud, Mother Nature provides many indicators for the arrival of spring. Of the many markers, few are coveted like the elusive morel mushroom. True morels are any fungi in the genus “Morchella”. There are many Morchella species in Maryland, some you may encounter are: M. angusticeps (black morel), M. americana (yellow morel), and M. punctipes (half free morel). In Maryland, morels emerge as early as late-March, with the season wrapping up sometime in mid-May. When eastern redbuds are blooming, it’s usually a good indication that morel season has started.

Half-Free Morel (image credit: iNaturalist)

Morel Ecology:

The mushroom itself is only a means of reproduction for the fungi. The fruiting body emerges, and releases spores that allow the organism to spread. Underground, they form complex webs of mycelium and sclerotia (hardened fungal masses containing food reserves). Beyond this, morel ecology is not completely understood. They grow in association with trees, but the nature of this relationship can vary. Morels often form mycorrhizal relationships; this is a mutualistic association in which both parties’ benefit. Morchella species have also been observed forming saprobic relationships with trees, meaning they extract nutrients from dead and decaying organic matter. Another aspect of their ecology that is not completely understood is their dependence on natural microbes in the soil. The complex relationships that morels form with forest ecosystems have made them nearly impossible to cultivate on a large scale.

Yellow Morel (image credit: iNaturalist)

Morel Habitat:

Understanding morel ecology can help provide insight into where one might find them. Morels have a mind of their own and can grow just about anywhere, but ideal habitats can reliably produce mushrooms year after year. In general, morel mushrooms prefer bottomlands, riparian zones, fertile flood plains, and limestone-rich, slightly alkaline soil. They also seem to have an affinity for regions affected by forest fires, this may be due to the nutrients released in the soil from burning plant matter. They often grow on light slopes. Look for warmer, southern facing slopes early season, and cooler north facing slopes later in the season. Specific tree species to look out for when morel hunting include but are not limited to: elm, ash, tulip poplar, sycamore, apple, and cherry. It’s important to keep in mind that morels can associate with living, dead, and dying trees. Understanding where to find morels, however, is only half the battle. Morels are notorious for hiding in plain sight, they camouflage extremely well among leaf litter. See if you can spot the morel below!

 

Morel “Seek & Find” Level 1

Morel “Seek & Find”, Level 2

Morels are a gift. Not only do they make a delicious meal but pursuing them draws us toward a deeper understanding of their complex relationship with forest ecosystems. Investigation into the nature of morels reveals the profound link between fungi, plants, and the broader ecological web.

Citation

 
Education, native speciesAntietam-Conococheague Watershed Alliance