False morel mushrooms are fungi that bear a striking resemblance to edible true morels. Despite their similar appearance, false morels can be toxic. Accurately identifying these mushrooms is important for foragers to avoid potential dangers.
Recognizing False Morels
False morels display distinct physical characteristics. Their caps are lumpy, brain-like, or saddle-shaped. These caps can range in color from black, grey, white, or brown to reddish or purplish-brown hues.
The cap’s attachment to the stem varies, sometimes fused only at the top, allowing sides to hang freely, or attached at several points. The stem of a false morel is solid, cottony, or chambered inside. These mushrooms grow alone or in groups on the ground in moist woodlands, sandy soils, disturbed areas, or near coniferous and hardwood trees.
Key Differences from True Morels
Distinguishing false morels from true morels is important for safe foraging. The most apparent difference lies in the cap structure: true morels possess a distinctly honeycombed or pitted cap, resembling a sponge, while false morels have a convoluted, brain-like, or saddle-shaped cap. True morel caps attach directly to the stem, creating a continuous hollow chamber from top to bottom. In contrast, false morel caps are only partially attached or free-hanging.
A key distinguishing feature is the interior of the mushroom: true morels are completely hollow from the cap to the base of the stem. False morels, however, have a solid, cottony, or chambered interior when sliced lengthwise. True morels are more symmetrical and appear in shades of yellow, tan, or gray, while false morels lack this symmetry, appearing irregular or distorted, and can be red, purple, or brown. This internal difference is key, leading to the common adage: “If it isn’t hollow, don’t swallow.”
Toxicity and Symptoms
False morels contain a harmful toxin called gyromitrin, which converts into monomethylhydrazine (MMH) in the body. MMH is a potent compound that affects the central nervous system and can cause damage to the liver. Symptoms of poisoning typically manifest between 6 and 48 hours after consumption, though they can sometimes appear as early as two hours.
Initial symptoms often include gastrointestinal symptoms including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating, and muscle cramps. As the poisoning progresses, neurological symptoms may develop, including dizziness, headache, lethargy, confusion, and in severe cases, seizures or coma. The most serious outcomes involve liver damage, leading to hepatitis, jaundice, liver failure, kidney damage, and blood clotting issues, potentially resulting in death. Even cooking may not fully eliminate the toxins, and inhaling the fumes from cooking false morels can also lead to illness.
Emergency Response
If someone is suspected of having consumed a false morel mushroom, immediate action is important. Seek emergency medical attention or consult a physician immediately. Contacting a poison control center (e.g., 1-800-222-1222 in the U.S.) is also an important step for guidance and assessment.
When seeking medical help, bring a sample of the mushroom for identification, ideally placed in a paper bag. Details like ingestion time, quantity consumed, and preparation method assist medical professionals in diagnosis and treatment. Do not induce vomiting unless specifically advised to do so by medical personnel. Staying hydrated is beneficial during recovery from mushroom poisoning.