Thimble morel or Early false morel

Cap 1–3 cm tall, bell-shaped or conical (hence the name). Light brown or ochre in color, with a white or cream underside. The surface is smooth or slightly wrinkled, but without a clear honeycomb structure — the key difference from morels.

Cap 2-5 cm tall, 2-4 cm across, bell-shaped or thimble-like, hangs from the top of the stem like a hood (it does not fuse with the stem — the fundamental difference from true morels). The surface is wrinkled and pitted, with irregular furrows and folds, without clear honeycomb cells. Color yellow-brown, ochre-brown, dark brown. The inner surface (facing the stem) is paler, cream.

A smooth or slightly folded hymenium on the outer surface of the cap. Ascomycete structure: the spores mature in asci inside the hymenial layer. Spores smooth, colorless, elliptical.

The hymenophore covers the outer surface of the cap (as in all Pezizales). It consists of layers of asci in which the spores mature. Spore print yellowish to light brown.

Stem 5–10 cm tall, 0.5–1 cm thick, cylindrical, hollow inside. White or pale yellowish. The surface is finely granular or mealy-scaly. Brittle — breaks easily.

Stem 5-12 cm tall, 1-2 cm thick, cylindrical, hollow inside or filled with spongy flesh. White to cream, light ochre with age. Surface finely granular, with crosswise furrows. No ring.

Flesh thin, tender, white, brittle. Does not change color when cut. Indistinct in taste and smell.

Flesh thin, waxy, brittle. Light ochre in the cap, whitish in the stem. Does not change color when cut.

A faint mushroomy smell, barely noticeable. Mild taste, without distinct notes.

Faint, pleasant mushroomy smell. Mild taste. Note: taste is no indicator of safety — the toxins have no distinct taste.