White Saddle (Helvella crispa)
White Saddle (Helvella crispa)
White Saddle (Helvella crispa)
White Saddle (Helvella crispa)
White Saddle (Helvella crispa)
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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