Early Spring Mushrooms

Dry, cold weather had hampered mushroom fruiting early on, but almost overnight, at the close of this April with the rains it brought, False Morels ( Gyromitra  esculenta) have appeared. They are pushing up in dense groupings and some larger specimens stand alone in the leaf/needle beds. The fruiting bodies are a rich russet brown with their typical irregularly- rounded caps with brain-like lobing and supported by a pale, hollow stalk. This is a controversial mushroom. A number of Northwooders have picked and eaten it over the years claiming it delicious and safe.  However, it definitely does not fit that
“safe” category.  Studies show that this fungus contains a powerful, dangerous  compound  closely akin to rocket fuel.  Though the concentration of this compound in individual fruiting bodies may vary, there is no surety without testing, and the chemical is considered to have a detrimental cumulative effect on the body. This is a mushroom to be admired as a part of northern springtime, but definitely avoided for table use.