How to find many types of Morel Mushrooms

Morels are a delicious spring mushrooms that millions of people around the world set out to find in the spring, when they like to grow. They can be found on all continents xcept Antartica, and there are thought to be over 70 species worldwide. Here in the Pacific Northwest of North America we have at least 9 species, as well as what we call "early Morels" or Verpa species, "Half-free" or Morchella populiphila, as well as natural and "burn" associated morels.
This video is a guide to finding several species of Morels in their natural habitat. Aaron Hilliard of the Kitsap Peninsula Mycological Society and creator of Mushroom Wonderland, takes us into several different habitats to find many different types of morels. This is great info this time of year as the Morels are popping up right now and the picking is great this year so far!
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We will not accept any responsibility for negligence or accidental ingestion of poisonous mushrooms or plants. These videos are not intended to be a definitive field guide, but rather a starting point to become familiar with habitat, Everyone is encouraged to do their own studies, acquire literature or internet resources to safely and confidently identify wild foods before they eat them. When eating a new wild mushroom, it is advised to start with only a small amount, and make sure that it is fresh and that it is cooked thoroughly. Some mushrooms do not agree with certain individuals, and this is typically discovered on a case-by-case basis. Even the most edible of mushrooms contain compounds that can be tough for the human digestive tract to handle. Some “edible” species have small amounts of certain toxins that will easily break down with cooking. Fungi contains a molecule known as chitin that is the same thing that makes the exoskeleton of shellfish so hard, and cannot be broken down by the human digestive system, so it is another good reason to thoroughly cook mushrooms. All the ideas expressed in the comments should be taken with a large grain of salt. I don’t think there is any other field of study or science that has more misinformation being shared so freely and boldly. Mushroom Wonderland and Aaron himself have no opinion and neither encourage nor discourage the use of mushrooms containing mind-altering compounds. These mushrooms contain powerful chemicals and should be treated with a high level of responsibility. Any video topics on the habitat, natural distribution, and morphological features of psychoactive mushrooms portrayed on this channel are purely for scientific and educational purposes.
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[@maslina4567]

You hit the jackpot! Absolutely gorgeous finds. Here in Croatia, yesterday I happened upon the largest blondes I've ever seen. Dredged in eggwash/flour blend and fried until crisp. Tonight will stuff with wild herbs and cream cheese. Will go well with our feral asparagus risotto. Foraging is pure joy! Thank you.

[@mushroomwonderland1]

That sounds awesome! Thanks for sharing, happy hunting!

[@DoubleADay]

Just a note, keep some small paper bags in your car for those roadside mushrooms. Great info Aaron

[@mushroomwonderland1]

It's a good idea. I usually have a couple of net foraging bags floating around under my seats, pretty sure I did in this occasion as well but I was in a hurry. It's okay to collect in a plastic bag, but I wouldn't store them that way.

[@forrestallen9354]

Just careful about how busy the road is and how close they are to the road. They'll pick up alot of nasty stuff you dont want to eat.

[@northerngirlhobbies]

Mushroom heaven! Ours aren’t out yet. Another awesome production!

[@lets.get.crafty84]

How you spotted those landscape morels on the side of the road is amazing. You have trained eyes.

[@fullbloodedamerican1366]

Well done Aaron, on the presentation of the "PNW Morals" & further exponding on the early morals & separating them from true false morals. 👍👍💯 Thank you, sir!

[@ElevatedAdventure]

I’ve been waiting for this episode. I was telling myself it morel time when he posts a morel video. May go out this weekend

[@mushroomwonderland1]

That's awesome, good luck!

[@Jawshgroopuh]

Thanks for always posting quality content and sharing your wealth of knowledge with us. Isn’t this just such a fun hobby?? Planning some hunting this weekend and crossing my fingers for my first morel find!

[@AlaskaMushroomFarming]

Great video - cannot wait for spring here in Alaska!!!

[@momsmushroomsjodyfoster5786]

15:15 pristine ❤

[@sopheap4177]

Aaron, I am so JEALOUS! That's all I have to say. 😂

[@anotherluckydad]

It's been nearly impossible for me to find decent mushrooms in my East Massachusetts coast conifer forest. Thanks to your expertise you've shared. I'm not giving up.

[@Norcaloutside]

This video has totally got my morel juices flowing, I'm about to haul off to my spot.

[@jacobcharles6284]

Thanks for the motivation! I haven’t found too much yet, few verpas , found my first landscape morel today which was exciting. Also hunting in pnw, but Vancouver area.

[@TomGiffin]

Just found my first two ever along the roadside by my house under the hawthorns and blackberries across the water here on South Whidbey 😃 thank you for your very informative videos!

[@genefulm]

Oh good. I've been tromping around the woods of Granite Falls for a couple of weeks and haven't seen any yet. I'm a little higher up than you, so they must starting any day now.

[@mushroomwonderland1]

Awesome!!

[@andicarson1339]

Had to giggle. Those landscape morels were so big and exciting to find that you missed the fire hydrant. 😂

[@toddmutchler7800]

Nice work Hilliard it keeps getting better and better

[@mushroomwonderland1]

Weird when you call me by my last name, reminds me of high school 😁🤣🍄❤️

[@northernwildharvest]

Nice!

[@tylerkrug7719]

This guy's awesome!

[@jaimeortega4940]

Would be great to start new Morels somewhere else though.

[@chriswest7468]

Nice vid- thanks for sharing! We're a month or so away from the "adult Easter Egg hunt" in MN!

[@mushroomwonderland1]

Awesome. My dad lives in Minnesota. The morel capital of the country!

[@ShaneTallon88]

Yes! Love these

[@kimprocarione5473]

Awesome! Mush love!

[@TiffanyCloud]

Great episode, Thanks so much! I’ve been waiting for this one too!

[@isabellavalencia8026]

Thank you for taking us along

[@trains4nothng]

great video, thank you for your work.

[@ShlisaShell]

Love the intro 👍 Enjoyed your video.

[@pamelasternin4349]

Thank you for breaking down the different types of morels! Super helpful!

[@jedediah7772]

Dude, I totally hunt mushrooms while driving 😄

[@jebbkinney8516]

I do too😂

[@taraanormal]

Amazing haul! I can't wait to get out hunting.

[@ronveach5117]

Thanks again!

[@sandraking9650]

Beautiful. Morrells. Forest floor!

[@outdoorloser4340]

Thank you 😊

[@Crochetknittinglove45]

Thank you so much 🙏

[@Crochetknittinglove45]

Wow ❤❤i love this morel mashroom

[@maywig]

Thanks for the info! new to WA and am always appreciative of folx sharing their local knowledge. Is there any concern of consuming the landscaping morels for risk of bioaccumulation of pesticide/lawn toxins? Great video!

[@mushroomwonderland1]

Yeah I think if somebody's been obviously treating their lawn with chemicals I would avoid it for sure. That being said, I've eaten a lot of lawn mushrooms and I'm just fine, aside from this extra toe that I'm growing.

[@tianeil408]

Awesome video you made!! I’m in Michigan and have been morel hunting for years. It’s my favorite time of the year. I see they been popping a little earlier this year in other states I need to get out tomorrow and check some spots.

[@mushroomwonderland1]

That is a great area for them. Thanks for watching!

[@Welshmam138]

I just got into mushroom hunting a couple of months ago. The only morels I have found so far are ones that are growing near a fence I built at my house last year. I finally ate one, and they are tasty.

[@mushroomwonderland1]

Good find for a beginner forager!

[@DoubleADay]

I hope to find some spring kings this year

[@mushroomwonderland1]

Me too!

[@momsmushroomsjodyfoster5786]

Did I hear you say what state and date you found these in?? Thank you 🙏 oh there it is! Washington state March. Beautiful find

[@MushroomTrail]

Awesome finds! You know you've got the eye when you're spotting morels from the car! Curious, were those Morchella populiphilia from this year or last? Still not popping up in my local spots... but definitely will soon.

[@mushroomwonderland1]

Those were from last year! Fyi

[@MushroomTrail]

@@mushroomwonderland1 Cool! Thanks for letting me know - I keep checking my Cottonwood stands and know they're coming, but haven't caught them yet this year ... any day now! Awesome vid - keep up the good work! 👍

[@dcfromthev]

No luck here in NorCal yet this season, despite finding soil temps over 50° two weeks ago! Had a couple solid rains but only for a day here and there, so maybe they’re waiting for more moisture. Hope to come across some soon!

[@daroldw4606]

Must be nice living in mushroom wonderland! lol!

[@brytonkenney1507]

And the morel of the story is.... Mush luv Aaron

[@fast67fb63]

Very beautiful but do you have any worries of being posioned? I am freaked out about all the deaths with morels now.

[@mushroomwonderland1]

Just make sure you well cook them. And I wouldn't sit and eat a couple of pounds of them at a sitting, but I don't usually eat mushrooms like that anyways. They're definitely more of a side dish for me.

[@timothywilliams2021]

Learn to positively identify morel vs. false morels. Not too difficult. And like he said cook them. Morels shouldn't be eaten raw.

[@fast67fb63]

Thank you so much for the great videos and putting the fakes beside the reals I have the 🧠 mushrooms and 🍄 in my yard.

[@constantin1959]

Thank you for your great video!! I am in Romania and going out tomorrow for morels. I am afraid though that here only verpa bohemica can be found.

[@lovethemack]

Interesting stuff. It seems to be somewhat different for me here in BC on the coast. Ive heard of the cottonwood riparian morels beingh found, Im going top keep trying for those, lots of verpas and lots of sandy soil in my spot. Im interested in conifer wood morels, my most recent literature states they are not on the coast but inland in montane conifer woods. I will look in my chanterelle spots again though.

[@mushroomwonderland1]

I find them right down near sea level, but in the moss covered conifer forest where you might find chantrelle's in the autumn.

[@McLovinMods]

The easiest place I have found for morels to spot or on Hills, if you get on the hill and look at your level across the hill or slightly higher than you it's easy to get them at eye level so you can spot them easier

[@samhandwich3965]

I look every year, and I just bomb. I have yet to find a good site in washington. But I ain't giving up yet!

[@mushroomwonderland1]

I think your best bet would be to walk the lowland river basins that are lined with cottonwood. Might still be a week or two out but I almost always find some in those habitats.

[@tylerkrug7719]

Same here,lol I've only found ever found a couple small morels in a burn zone,and there was red fire retardant all over the ground. But these videos give me hope!

[@tylerkrug7719]

I even drove over Steven's pass to hunt on bluetts pass around may 21,spent all day looking too,lol Found nothing haha

[@daroldw4606]

I found a bunch up in Darrington, WA. I drive on a logging road and stop when I see a few large cottonwood trees and I look around those.

[@DJKurdziolek]

Man, how are you finding so many already? I’ve only found like 2 Verpa bohemica so far in the Portland area. I haven’t been everywhere yet but I’d think since we are farther south there’d be just as many. 🤔

[@mushroomwonderland1]

The burn morels, the natural morels in the Conifer Forrest, and the landscape morels have all been found within the past couple weeks. The cottonwood associated Morels, the half free's, and verpa are still eluding me this year so far. But I know they're going to be up any day. Didn't mean to be misleading by that. That being said, there are a lot of morels popping up everywhere. I think it's a great season!

[@Bobbyslides]

Whats the name of your intro song? Reminds me of my childhood for some reason every time I hear it lol

[@mrparrehesian1742]

Found out YT unsubbed me. So I am happy to be back!

[@mushroomwonderland1]

That is so weird, I've heard other people say that! What the heck! Glad to have you back. 🍄❤️

[@cacogenicist]

I wouldn't say _Morchella importuna_ fruits in _huge_ numbers very often, especially in wood chip or bark mulch beds, which is where I see them most often. More often than not there won't be more than a few of them in one spot -- although they'll be very common if you keep walking through your suburban or urban neighborhood.

[@SketchybrainD]

I found em in my yard Putting down slurry worked

[@mushroomwonderland1]

I've heard other people say that too, I'm definitely trying it this year! Some of these past prime landscape morels got chopped up and mixed with a gallon of water and pour over some nice new wood chips.

[@SketchybrainD]

@@mushroomwonderland1 the first ones here were all growing off of pieces of fiber board. These ones are growing on the outer edge the wood chip bed in the grass. All of em here and at my buddies house are growing within a few feet of peziza/cup fungus,

[@goodun2974]

Is there some particular reason to cut Morels free where they come out of the ground instead of just pulling them as you do so many other Mushroom species?

[@mushroomwonderland1]

I just do it to keep sand out of my basket. They like to grow in sandy soil typically, and when you get sand in the morels it pretty much ruins them in my opinion.

[@jolynnwinterrealestate8022]

What is the elevation you typically look for Morels?

[@OpenSpaceWellness]

🙏❤️🌲

[@connecticutaggie]

Has anyone sees Morels in northern Oregon yet?

[@michelleburkholder2547]

💚

[@mushroomwonderland1]

Yes, on Mushroom Maurader's Facebook page he's finding lots in Oregon.

[@sabbyjones2308]

What altitude is best? I live in Oregon any recommendations?

[@mushroomwonderland1]

I'm finding them right at sea level right now. The burn morels are going to start in the lower elevation burns and work their way higher into the mountains. Same as the Eastern Cascade natural morels.

[@ConstellationMushrooms]

Dang dude I live in the kitsap area do you know of any spots they could possibly be around without too much of a drive?

[@mushroomwonderland1]

Your best bet would be the conifer forests, But they're pretty rare to find. Your best bet would be to drive over to One of the lowland rivers on the east side of the Puget sound and walk under the cottonwoods.

[@ConstellationMushrooms]

@@mushroomwonderland1 what about the Delabarre fire that happened last year in the Olympics? You think there could be some over there?

[@rsazhou6793]

⁠​⁠@@ConstellationMushrooms I wanna go to Delabaree too but there is no road access😅

[@TonyBox]

Were you out mountain biking when you found those roadside morels? Looks like you're wearing 5.10 freerider shoes 😅

[@mushroomwonderland1]

Haha, Yes I was on my way to go ride when I spotted those! Bike was on the back of the truck.

[@TonyBox]

@@mushroomwonderland1 haha, awesome. I have the exact same shoes. And likely the same (or close to the same) truck...All the mid-00s gms look the same inside. 06 Silverado 2500

[@jeffb4612]

Morchella Sextelata, yes please.

[@rouxzino]

Is every mushroom in the Morchellaceae family considered a morel?

[@mushroomwonderland1]

I don't think so. There's a few genera of cup-like semi-underground fungi in that family that are unknown edibility.

[@MissmyLab]

What is the average ground temperature best for morels in your opinion?, ty.

[@mushroomwonderland1]

I have heard it said that 50° soil temperature for 1 week consistently will produce morels. A lot of the cottonwood areas in the river basins are not quite there yet, within the next week or two they will be popping up like crazy.

[@MissmyLab]

@@mushroomwonderland1 thank you. I'll be searching this coming week in eastern wisconsin.Ive checked and soil temps in our area are in the lower 50's.Wish me luck.

[@timothywilliams2021]

Last year i found 3 blonde natural morels that had rust colored spots. Is that normal or a cause for concern. Didn't eat them. All three where growing within a couple feet of coyote bones.

[@mushroomwonderland1]

That's interesting. They can take on blemishes and slight discolorations from environmental factors, age, moisture content, and damage. They may have just been old.. hard to really say.

[@momsmushroomsjodyfoster5786]

Beautiful but why do you call the deep woods morel the natural one? Thank you.

[@mushroomwonderland1]

Because it doesn't need a fire to grow. It just grows naturally. 😁

[@momsmushroomsjodyfoster5786]

@@mushroomwonderland1 ah ha! Thank you

[@DanJimmie]

Was it really 5 days ago that you found those morels on Lund?

[@mushroomwonderland1]

Dang you know the coordinates? 😆 Yes it was

[@DanJimmie]

@@mushroomwonderland1 hahaha sure do! The fire hydrant and red pickup gave you away. I pass that spot every single day. I’ve been out hunting but no luck yet. This lets me know the area is active though.

[@user-pw1zk5xh2j]

What elevation was that burn? I thought it was still early. :-)

[@mushroomwonderland1]

This burn was around sea level. The mountainous burns on the east side probably still too cold, or they're getting very close to popping.

[@jaimeortega4940]

You don't want to eat anything from the "side of the road" especially mushrooms.

[@michiganmonsters01]

Maybe in town, but out in the boonies on a one lane road, I think you'll survive.

[@mushroomwonderland1]

I'll take my chances!

[@kristofsomogyi5231]

Have you find Morchella steppicola yet?

[@mushroomwonderland1]

That's a European taxon.. Don't think they occur here in the Western North America.

[@johncasaleggio842]

Did I miss the purple one in the photo? Someone give me a time on that, I can't find it.

[@mushroomwonderland1]

That is a young Morchella norvegensis. They can start out pinkish or lavender but quickly turn blonde. The one photographed didn't make it into this video.

[@unknownoutdoors530]

how many years do morels grow after a wildfire ?

[@mushroomwonderland1]

First year is best, second year can be fruitful but still less, I've never heard of anyone pursuing a third year burn.

[@truthhurts3905]

Anyone finding them in East Tn??? I’m so interested and dying to go hunt, but not sure if it’s time, yet?? I’m a newbie so bear with me. Plz

[@nickirichter2758]

Where in the PNW is this? Everyone is saying it’s too early. I myself found ZERO 3 days ago

[@mushroomwonderland1]

This is near the Hood canal, sea level. The burns have been popping for a month, landscape morels are EVERYWHERE right now. Look in the new wood chips.

[@nickirichter2758]

@@mushroomwonderland1 there’s no wood chips in my city, lol. I’m not bothering with landscape or natural morels- too hard to find.

[@markwalker7097]

What about the Northeast?

[@Ramiami-ou4pm]

مناظر جميلة عندكم لكن الشومبينيو مسموم

[@cacogenicist]

Just learn the Latin binomial. Easier to remember and less confusing than all those common names, which vary by region.

[@samjohnson9894]

Are the mushrooms you have there also called "hickory chickens"? I'm not a fan of eating what looks like brain matter, loose elbow skin, or wintry scrotum. But friends of mine eat the hell out of them, and call them hickory chickens. I have no idea what they look like.

[@mushroomwonderland1]

😆 no, never heard of hickory chickens, haha. I like your descriptions though.😂

[@ErinOBrien-io9qm]

The first thing that struck us, is that you didn't ask the homeowner if it was ok to pick the morels growing outside their fence. You never know- folks might have been looking forward to harvesting that patch. Good chance they weren't as well, but you should always recommend that folks ask first when they find a patch on someone else's property. Thanks for the nice guide on morels

[@honreiter464]

Is the burned morel 2024 or this is 2023

[@mushroomwonderland1]

I have been finding the morels this spring from last year's fire.

[@munawarabbasi6984]

In Wich place I found these mashrooms?

[@Antler_addict]

I wouldnt eat any landscape morels! I have gotten sick a few times from them. I do pest control & we spray & granulate pesticides all over the places you would commonly find them. Wild Grasses, lawns, bark beds, planters...ect.

[@xaviercadaret4873]

I came to say the same thing when he found them next to the road in the city.. pesticides and other toxins are prevalent.

[@Antler_addict]

@xaviercadaret4873 I'm the guy that sprays those hillsides, that's the only reason why I mentioned it!