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Black Elfin Saddle (Helvella dryophila)

Black elfin saddle (Helvella dryophila) is a peculiar Pacific Coast mushroom with a convoluted black cap and fluted (ridged) stalk, which is often graced with pits and cavities. It has a close association with oaks, whereas the practically indistinguishable H. vespertina occurs near pines. Both of these western species were previously thought to be Helvella lacunosa (and most guide books still indicate as such), but recent DNA evidence has shown that H. lacunosa only occurs in Europe and eastern North America.


Black elfin saddle (Helvella dryophila). Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve, Solano County, California, USA.
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Black elfin saddle (Helvella dryophila). Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve, Solano County, California, USA.
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Black elfin saddle (Helvella dryophila). Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve, Solano County, California, USA.
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Next Mushroom: Comb tooth fungus (Hericium coralloides)



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