Verpa bohemica, the early morel or wrinkled thimble-cap, is a spring ascomycete in the Morchellaceae with a wrinkled, thimble-shaped cap attached only at the top of a long, cotton-stuffed stem. It fruits after snowmelt, often near cottonwoods, willows and aspens, before and during the true morel season. It has two-spored asci and very large spores.
Poisonous to some people; not recommended. Though eaten by some, poisonings are reported, especially after large or repeated meals: gastrointestinal upset, loss of muscular coordination and, rarely, coma; some people report alcohol intolerance. Gyromitrin has been suspected but not detected. Those who eat it cook it thoroughly and in small amounts.
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Habitat
On the ground in woods, often along riverbanks under cottonwoods, willows and aspens, usually buried in litter; under hardwoods and sometimes conifers. Isotope studies indicate it is saprobic, though it may be mycorrhizal for part of its life cycle. Very early spring, continuing into morel season.
Distribution
Northern North America, south to the Great Lakes and northern California; widespread in Europe; recorded from India and Turkey.
Characteristics
Cap: 2-4 cm wide and 2-5 cm high; thimble-shaped to conical or bell-shaped; longitudinally wrinkled and ridged (rarely appearing pitted); tan to yellowish or reddish brown; hanging free, attached only at the apex. Stem: 6-22 cm long, 1-3 cm thick; creamy white to dull yellow; brittle; loosely stuffed with cottony fibres, becoming hollow. Asci: 2-spored (rarely 3). Spores: 48-85 x 15-24 µm (Wikipedia gives 60-80 x 15-18 µm), ellipsoid, smooth, thick-walled.
