How to Tell if It's a Morel Mushroom

Look for an elongated, cone shaped cap. Morels have a cap that flares out from the top of the stem and almost immediately begins to taper to a rounded top.

Examine the distinctively identifying irregular honeycomb, latticework structure covering the entire cap of the mushroom. The raised lattice-like ridges are highly discernable with deep, clearly defined cavities between ridges. This honeycomb characteristic alone is enough to positively identify a morel mushroom, as no other species of wild mushroom has this trait.

Cut the morel lengthwise, down the middle of the stem and cap, with a knife. Both the stem and cap on morels are completely hollow.

Inspect the cut stem of the mushroom. Neophyte mushroom hunters sometimes mistake "false morels" for actual morels. However, confusion is easily eliminated. False morels have a smooth, irregular shaped, wavy cap somewhat resembling brain matter. Additionally, the stem of false morels is solid and continues all the way to the top of the mushroom's cap. The stem of a true morel ends where the stem joins the base of its cap.