Helvella Lacunosa

Day 30: The Latin word "lacuna" can be translated as "pond," "gap," "hole" or any number of synonyms implying an empty space. It gives us the English word "lagoon," and in literature, it refers to a missing portion (intentional or accidental) in a manuscript or poem. In the case of Helvella lacunosa, the modifier refers to the physical structure of the mushroom. As in poetry, these lacunae lend to the overall beauty and, at least in my opinion, this Helvella is one of the prettiest in the genus. We found half a dozen or more during the Nisqually Land Trust's mushroom walk near Yelm, nearly hidden by a fall of autumn leaves. Sometimes called "false Morels," the group known as "Elfin Saddles" are not considered edible. A few fruit in the spring, but most are cool-weather species and erupt after the first few chilly nights of autumn.

Elfin Saddle, Youth And Age

Day 23: Helvella lacunosa is a member of the group of fungi commonly called Elfin Saddles. Sometimes they are lumped into the larger category of "false morels" which also includes the genera Verpa and Gyromitra. While true Morels fruit only in the spring, the false morels occur most frequently in autumn. Although some false morels are considered edible, a larger number are poisonous, and some are deadly. This particular Elfin Saddle is notable for the ridges and holes in the stipe (stalk). The center specimen is beginning to decay, overgrown with a secondary fungus which consumes the host.

During my patrol of Longmire Campground for this species, the various locations in which it was found insinuated themselves into my subconscious mind until they erupted as an observation: behind trees and in close proximity to the base; at the edges of campsites; within the confines of a small two-sided enclosure near a bathroom. While it still bears further study, I am inclined to believe that Helvella lacunosa has a preference for urine-tainted soils. Just sayin'.

Elfin Saddles

Day 17: "Elfin," I said. "Elfin, not 'elephant.'" It's amazing how many people mispronounce the common name of this family of mushrooms. Personally, I wouldn't care to sit astride one whether I was an elf or on an elephant. Think of the saddle sores!

Elfin Saddles can fruit in spring or fall, and novice mushroomers often confuse them with Morels which are exclusively a spring occurrence. Characteristically, Morels have a nicely shaped cap with regularly spaced ridges and pits. On the other hand the Helvellas look like gobs of wax, contorted and lumpy. Helvella lacunosa, so named for the lacunae (deep pits) in the stipe, is one of the more common Saddles to be found in the Pacific Northwest.

Elfin Saddle

Day 26: This has been one of the best mushroom seasons I've seen in a long time. Oh, I'm not necessarily talking about edibles. I simply mean that there has been a wider variety and a greater number of fungi spring up in our local forests. This is Helvella lacunosa, a fairly common species in the Pacific Northwest. It is characterised by a lacunose (ribbed and perforated) stalk and a purplish-grey to black wrinkled cap. The common name "Elfin Saddle" makes me glad I'm not an elf. That would be a bumpy ride!