Black Saddle

Toxic

Helvella lacunosa

Also known as: Slate Grey Saddle, Fluted Black Elfin Saddle

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Description

Helvella lacunosa is a distinctive ascomycete fungus characterized by its irregularly shaped, saddle-like, or lobed cap and a deeply ribbed or lacunose (pitted) stem.

How to Identify

Cap: Dark grey to black, saddle-shaped, consisting of two or three lobes that are folded and fused.
Gills: Not applicable (ascomycete, uses asci).
Stem: Deeply ribbed or fluted, whitish to greyish, hollow chambers inside.
Flesh: Thin, brittle, and waxy texture.
Fruiting body: Irregularly lobed, saddle-shaped cap, 2-10 cm wide, often dark grey to black.
Habitat: Found on the ground, often under conifers or deciduous trees; also reported on burnt ground.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces: Smooth to wrinkled, irregular
Growth Form: Solitary to clustered
Spore Print: White
Body color: Dark grey to black
Odor: Mild
Flesh bruises: No
Height: 5-15 cm
Cap Diameter: 2-10 cm
Nutrient gathering: Saprobic or potentially mycorrhizal

Toxic

Severe Toxicity

Contains gyromitrin, a toxin that breaks down into monomethylhydrazine (MMH), a compound used in rocket fuel. While historically eaten after thorough boiling, it is now considered unsafe by modern mycological standards.

Toxin Type: GyromitrinReaction Type: Gastrointestinal distress and potential liver damage

Quick Check

Odor: Mild, nondescript, occasionally slightly earthy.
Fruiting: Solitary, scattered, or in small groups.
Substrate: Soil, often near hardwood or coniferous trees.

Where to Find

North America and Europe

Widely distributed across temperate regions in forests, parks, and occasionally disturbed soil.

Finding Tips

Look for distinct ribbing

The most reliable field mark is the deeply lacunose (pitted) and ribbed nature of the stem.

Seasonality

Typically fruits in summer and autumn; in some warmer regions, it can appear in winter.

Similar Species

Helvella crispa

Helvellaceae

Also known as: White Saddle

Helvella elastica

Helvellaceae

Also known as: Elastic Saddle

Scientific Classification

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

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