Morchella  elata         Black Morel

Morels are well known, highly prized, and often reported on by magazines and newspapers.  So, they need little comment from me. Suffice it to say that the photo illustrates the Black Morel which is recognized by its dark, conical cap.   The Yellow Morel (= Morchella esculenta) is pale yellow-brown and the cap is rounded rather than pointed.  In Michigan you can collect both species, and some others, by the bushel basket and they have annual morel hunts in various parts of the state.  In season, they sell morels at roadside stands around Measick (whimsical choice of name for the "morel capital of the world").

In Ontario which is just across the lake from Michigan morels are not nearly so common and I have no idea why this is true.  Another thing about morels -  they are not always as tasty as they are cracked up to be (what is!) and some are pretty bland.

Also, WATCH OUT FOR THE DEADLY FALSE MOREL (= Gyromitra esculenta).

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