Elastic saddle or White saddle

Cap 1.5-4 cm, two-lobed, saddle-shaped — made up of two distinct lobes hanging over the stem. Color pale yellowish to grayish brown. Surface smooth, without pronounced texture. Margins free, not fused to the stem — this sets it apart from Helvella crispa.

Cap 2-4 cm, irregularly saddle-shaped, with 2-4 lobes that look like crumpled fabric. Color white or creamy white, with a yellowish tinge in wet weather. Surface smooth on the outside (where the hymenium is), finely warty underneath. Partly fused to the stem at the top. Margins contorted, uneven.

Smooth hymenium on the upper (convex) surface of the cap. Ascomycete structure — spores form in asci. Spore print white. Spores ellipsoid, smooth, 17-20 × 10-15 µm — large, typical of the genus.

Smooth hymenium on the upper (outer) surface of the cap lobes. Ascomycete structure — spores form in asci. Spore print white. Spores ellipsoid, smooth, with one large oil droplet.

Stem 2-6 cm tall, 3-6 mm thick, cylindrical, slender, hollow inside. Color white, smooth, without distinct ribs (unlike other Helvella). This is the key feature of the species — a smooth stem, not a grooved one.

Stem up to 10 cm tall, 1-2.5 cm thick, cylindrical, hollow inside. Color white, smooth to the touch, BUT with prominent lengthwise ribs (grooves) running its whole length. This is the key feature — a ribbed white stem.

The flesh is thin, waxy and springy, white. Doesn't change color when cut. Springy — it regains its shape after bending, hence the name “elastic.”

The flesh is thin, waxy and brittle, white. Doesn't change color when cut. Fragile texture — the mushroom easily falls apart if handled carelessly.

No noticeable smell. We don't taste it raw — potentially toxic.

Faint, nondescript mushroomy smell. Don't taste it raw — potentially toxic.