Felt saddle fungus
Helvella macropus
A species of Elfin saddles. Also known as Felt saddle.
The saddle-shaped cap, often a grayish-brown, is the distinguishing feature of the unique fungus known as felt saddle fungus. It can be found growing individually or in scattered groups on the forest floor in deciduous and mixed woodlands. This fungus thrives in moist soil and is typically observed from late summer through the fall. Its elongated and slender stem contributes to its overall appearance, which is quite recognizable and leaves a lasting impression on those who appreciate fungi.
In This Article
Attributes of Felt saddle fungus
Cap Diameter
1 - 6 cm
Height
3 - 9 cm
Cap
Cap 1 - 6 cm across; cup-shaped, occasionally nearly flat; grayish brown; upper surface bald, undersurface finely to prominently pustulate-hairy
Cap Shape
Bell-shaped, Flat, Depressed
Cap Surfaces
Fibrillose-scaly
Stem
Stem 1 - 7 cm long, 1 - 5 mm thick; equal, sometimes with clefts near the base; medium brown, whitish near the base; finely hairy or nearly bald with age
Stem Shapes
Cylindrical
Stem Surfaces
Smooth to slightly fibrous
Flesh
Insubstantial
Ring
Ringless
Spore Print Color
White
Odor
Faintly pleasant, indistinct mushroom aroma.
Body Color
BrownGrayWhite
Flesh Bruises
The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.
Growth Form
Solitary, Gregarious
Nutrient Gathering
Mycorrhizal, Saprophytic
Substrate
On soil, Mosses, Dead Woods
You can find Felt saddle fungus by these plants
Spruces
Occurence Habitats
Deciduous Woodland, Coniferous Woodland, Mixed Woodland
Species Status
Widely distributed in North America
Endangered Species
No
Scientific Classification of Felt saddle fungus
Phylum
Sac fungi
Class
Pezizomycetes
Order
Pezizales
Family
Ascomycete fungi
Genus
Elfin saddles
Toxicity and Edibility of Felt saddle fungus
Is Felt saddle fungus Toxic?
Toxicity information is not available for this mushroom. Always consult with an expert before consuming any wild mushrooms.
