Gyromitra esculenta (Pers.) Fr. False Morel, Frühjahrslorchel Fausse Morille. Cap 3-11 cm across, brain-like, irregularly rounded, and somewhat flattened; reddish brown or darker, yellowish brown in some forms; sometimes almost smooth, but generally intricately wrinkled and folded
but not pitted. Stem 20-50 x 15-40mm, stuffed becoming hollow in chambers, equal or expanded at either end; pale flesh-colored; smooth or faintly grooved. Flesh thin and brittle. Spores ellipsoid, smooth, containing 2 or more yellowish oil droplets, 18-22 x 9-13µ. Habitat singly or in groups in coniferous and deciduous woods. Common in northern mountain forests. Found widely distributed in North America. Season March-May. Deadly poisonous when eaten raw. Prolonged cooking or drying may reduce the toxicity of this species so that a single meal of it may not be so poisonous. However, repeated doses at even the reduced toxicity may accumulate in the system to a fatal level.