Verpa

Description:

Morel-like mushroom with a wrinkled cap that does not fully attach to the stem. The stem is filled with a cottony material.

Habitat:

These Verpas were found near the trail on the edge of a forest, near the river.

Notes:

Verpas can be easily confused with morels (Morchella spp.). Verpas and morels can be differentiated because Verpas grow earlier in the year than morels, the cap is not fully attached to the stem, and the stem is cottony rather than hollow. There is a bit of debate on weather Verpas are edible or poisonous. Many people consider Verpas to be inedible or poisonous, while other people eat them with no ill effects. Either way, Verpas are not recommended for eating, because many people get sick from eating them.