White Saddle
Helvella crispa
Ascomycota > Pezizomycotina > Pezizomycetes > Pezizomycetidae > Pezizales > Helvellaceae > Helvella
The White Saddle is a presumed mycorrhizal mushroom that can be found on soil or well-rotted wood in the spring to summer months. It can be found growing alone or in groups under deciduous and conifer trees.
The cap is generally saddle-shaped, but does present more chaotic shapes as the mushroom grows and folds on itself. The stem is ribbed, tough, and occasionally with tiny holes. The saddle portion is a spore-producing surface. The spore print is white.
August 4th, 2023 Field Notes - Indian Cave State Park
- Growing gregariously in open mixed oak/hickory woodland edge in areas of low vegetation (disturbed), locally abundant.
- Cap pale tan and saddle-shaped.
- The stipe is white, highly wrinkled with longitudinal ridges.
- Smell: not distinctive.
- Taste: not distinctive.
References
Helvella crispa Bull., Herbier de la France 10 (109-120): t. 465 fig. 1 (1790) [MB#486426]
Kuo, M. (2022, October). Helvella crispa. Retrieved from the MushroomExpert.Com Web site: http://www.mushroomexpert.com/helvella_crispa.html