Morels are among the most popular wild mushrooms in the United
States. Prized as delicacies, the spring search for morels turns
to obsession for many. If you'd like to joint the hunt, you'll
need to know the basics: - Morels can be found across Missouri,
but predicting exact locations is nearly impossible. Experts and
enthusiasts alike can usually agree that morels often appear in
forested areas, frequently around the base of trees. Ash, Elm,
Apple and Oak trees are thought to be likely sites for morel
growth and rotting or dead trees are even better. - Morels
resemble sponges or honeycombs on stalks. They range in color
from pale yellow to black. You can recognize a true morel by
looking for three distinguishing characteristics: Morels have
pitted caps; the base of the caps are fused to the stalks; and
the stalks are hollow when sliced open. Lookalikes can often be
differentiated by their wavy caps, which hang like skirts over
their stalks. The stalks of these false morels are often filled
with a white, cott