A slender elfin saddle with a small tan to grayish-brown, two-lobed cap perched on a long, smooth, whitish stem. The cap margin folds down toward the stem rather than curling up, and the underside is pale and bald. The stem is rubbery-flexible and often looks twisted. It grows in late summer and fall under conifers or hardwoods.
Not recommended. Some field guides call it edible but poor (First Nature), but related Helvellaceae are reported to contain gyromitrin-type toxins and concerns have been raised about carcinogens in Helvella (Wikipedia; First Nature).
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Habitat
Probably mycorrhizal. Alone or in groups on the ground under conifers or hardwoods, rarely on rotting wood, often along forest path edges and on acidic soil. Late summer and fall.
Distribution
Widely distributed in North America, seemingly more common in northern and montane areas (MushroomExpert); also across Europe and parts of Asia including Japan and China.
Characteristics
Cap: 1-6 cm across, loosely saddle-shaped, convex or irregular, usually two-lobed; upper surface bald, tan to brown or grayish brown; underside whitish to pale brownish, bald; young margin folding down toward the stem. Flesh: thin, brittle. Stem: 2-11 cm long, up to about 1 cm thick, more or less equal, cream to whitish, bald, not ribbed, hollow or loosely stuffed, rubbery. Spore print: white. Spores: 18-24 x 11.5-15 µm, elliptical, smooth, usually with one central oil droplet (MushroomExpert).
