Elfin Saddle

Description:

Helvella lacunosa has an irregularly folded or wrinkled cap which may be shades of slatey grey to black in colour, and measure anywhere from 1 to 10 cm (½–4 in), though usually between 2 and 5 cm (1-2 in). The wrinkled ringless 3–15 cm (1–6 in) high stem is chambered within, and may be white when young and darker with age, though may be any shade of grey. The spore print is white, the oval spores average 12 x 9 μm.[4] Occasionally white capped forms are found. They may be distinguished from the creamy-white coloured Helvella crispa by the latter's furry cap undersurface and inrolled margins when young.

Habitat:

This species is common in western North America and is also found in Europe[4], Japan,[6] and China.[7] It is frequent in the alpine, and temperate zones of both the northern and southern hemispheres.[1] The species occurs under pine, oak and Douglas fir and nearby parkland and lawns.[4] Fruiting bodies appear in late summer and autumn, though have been recorded in winter in California.[4] It often occurs on burnt ground.[

Notes:

This species is eaten and regarded highly by some after cooking, though the stems are not eaten.[4] Several guidebooks list it as edible,[8][9] yet this genus is now regarded with suspicion due to the presence of toxic compounds in several related species. It has been reported to cause gastrointestinal symptoms when eaten raw. ~ These have really proliferated this year. They are EVERYWHERE!