White saddle

Toxic

Helvella crispa

Also known as: Common helvel, White elfin saddle

Got a photo? Identify mushrooms instantly with the Mushby app

Description

Helvella crispa is a distinctive, irregularly shaped fungus characterized by a saddle-shaped or convoluted, whitish cap and a deeply lacunose (ribbed/pitted) stem.

How to Identify

Cap: Convoluted, lobed, or saddle-shaped; thin, papery texture.
Gills: Non-existent; ascomycetes produce spores on the exterior surface of the cap.
Stem: Distinctively white to pale, deeply ribbed, folded, and hollow with internal chambers.
Flesh: Thin, fragile, and somewhat brittle.
Fruiting body: Irregular, saddle-shaped, 2-10 cm broad, whitish to cream color.
Habitat: Often found in deciduous woodlands, parks, and occasionally grassy paths under hardwood trees.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces: Smooth, wrinkled, or convoluted
Growth Form: Solitary, scattered, or in small groups
Spore Print: White
Body color: White to creamy-yellow
Odor: Mild/None
Flesh bruises: Does not bruise
Height: 5-15 cm
Cap Diameter: 2-10 cm
Nutrient gathering: Saprotrophic

Toxic

Severe Toxicity

Contains gyromitrin, a compound that degrades into monomethylhydrazine (MMH) upon ingestion. Can be toxic if eaten raw or insufficiently cooked.

Toxin Type: GyromitrinReaction Type: Gastrointestinal distress, potential neurotoxicity, and cumulative liver damage.

Quick Check

Odor: Mild, slightly fungal or pleasant.
Fruiting: Late summer to late autumn.
Substrate: Terrestrial, often among leaf litter or near broadleaf trees.

Where to Find

Temperate Northern Hemisphere

Widespread across North America and Europe, often in soil or disturbed ground.

Finding Tips

Look for disturbed ground

This species has a preference for forest edges, mossy banks, and paths where soil has been disturbed.

Check during autumn

The peak fruiting period is late summer through late autumn.

Similar Species

Black saddle

Helvella lacunosa

Also known as: Slate grey saddle

Crisped saddle

Helvella elastica

Also known as: Flexible saddle

Scientific Classification

Phylum: Ascomycota
Class: Pezizomycetes
Order: Pezizales
Family: Helvellaceae
Genus: Helvella

Explore White saddle

Edibility & Safety Identification Habitat & Foraging Look-alikes

Identify mushrooms anywhere

Free on iOS, Android, and Web. Photo identification, full database, and your personal collection.

Download on theApp Store Get it onGoogle Play Continue onWeb

Open in app