Overview

Gyromitra is a genus of mushroom withing the Ascomycota phylum. They are more closely related to morels and cup fungi, than to common gilled mushrooms. They can be one of the most common mushrooms found in the forests from mid spring into early summer at higher elevations.

Distribution

Gyromitra are widely distributed throughout the Pacific Northwest and are found on both east and west sides of the Cascades. 

Edibility

There are deadly, inedible, as well as edible Gyromitra species in the Pacific Northwest. Edible species are more difficult to identify than other popular spring mushrooms like morels, and are not commonly foraged by beginners.