Black helvella
Helvella atra
A species of Elfin saddles.
The black saddle mushroom, known for its distinctively dark, irregularly formed cap that evokes a saddle shape, is primarily found growing close to deciduous trees and commonly emerges in the springtime. Its stem also presents a black coloration and can display a subtle, white downy texture. This helvella variety stands out as a singular and intriguing component within the varied world of forest fungi.
In This Article
Attributes of Black helvella
Cap Diameter
5 - 30 mm
Height
5 - 10 cm
Cap
Cap 5 - 30 mm across, 5 - 20 mm tall; lobed or saddle-shaped; exterior surface grey-brown or black, inner surface somewhat paler; usually with two upward-projecting lobes
Stem
Stem 3 - 8 mm in diameter, 4 - 8 cm long; thickening somewhat towards the base; grey-brown; not usually with multiple deep furrows
Stem Shapes
Cylindrical
Flesh
Thin
Ring
Ringless
Spore Print Color
White
Odor
Mild, faintly pleasant, not distinctive.
Body Color
BrownBlackGrayWhite
Flesh Bruises
The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.
Growth Form
Gregarious
Nutrient Gathering
Saprophytic
Substrate
On soil
Occurence Habitats
Mixed Woodland, Scrublands
Species Status
Infrequent or rare in Britain and Ireland
Endangered Species
No
Scientific Classification of Black helvella
Phylum
Sac fungi
Class
Pezizomycetes
Order
Pezizales
Family
Ascomycete fungi
Genus
Elfin saddles
Toxicity and Edibility of Black helvella
Is Black helvella Toxic?
Toxicity information is not available for this mushroom. Always consult with an expert before consuming any wild mushrooms.
