Half-Free Morel, Morchella Semilibera
These will appear slightly after the Grey Morels, or about the same time. When the Dogwoods begin to open their blooms, or mayapples beginning to bloom, look for this variety. If you are hunting in a "bad" mushroom woods, you can still probably find some of these. In a good year, which tends to be in a 5 year cycle for these, you can find them almost anywhere in the woods. Maples, oaks, ash, beech, they aren't too particular.
Note that their cap is attached 1/2 way up the stem, not at the base like the other true Morels. These are completely hollow when sliced. They do resemble Verpa Bohemica, or Wrinkled Thimble-Cap, which is a false Morel. See False Morels. They are light brown early on, turning to dark brown to near black when mature. They generally are 3" to 7" tall, but have found them as large as 10" before. The stem of these are usually large, and very good to eat as well, don't just pick the cap! These are very good to eat, but my least favorite among the Morels. Beggers can't be choosy though!
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