Honeycomb cap continuous with the stem, completely hollow. The spring prize — and a deadly lookalike test.

Cap is pitted like a sponge, attached to the stem at the base, and the whole mushroom is hollow from tip to base when sliced lengthwise. Colors run gray to yellow-tan.

Habitat

Old apple orchards, dying elms, ash, tulip poplar bottoms, burned ground. Mid-April to mid-May around Dillsboro.

Season

About two to three weeks in April–May.

Size

2–6 in

Field marks

Pits not gills; hollow when split; cap fused to stem

Always split. If the cap hangs like a wrinkled brain and the stem is stuffed or chambered, it is not a morel. Cook thoroughly — never raw. When in doubt, throw it out.