Elfin Saddle

Helvella lacunosa

Helvella lacunosa is an edible mushroom of intermediate bodies that grows in many parts of the world. It can often be seen on paths, in forest meadows, on open ground, or in places with trampled or loosened earth, usually near conifers and oaks. It appears on the forest floor, rising from the duff in late summer to fall with a gray to charcoal-black, irregularly saddle-shaped cap and a deeply ribbed and hollow white to grayish stipe [1][2]. This deeply pitted and cleft fruiting body is often organically textured and oddly architectural, sculptural, with a combination of fissures, wrinkles, grooves, ridges, pits, folds, and hollows (Figure 1). The cap is soft and attached to the stem with the inside of the stalk extending below the surface of the cap. Its deeply furrowed hollow ribbed stem is also finely textured and corrugated [1].

Ecologically, little is known about this species, though its treatment in the literature often deems it mycorrhizal or mycorrhizal-like. Some references do support saprotrophic tendencies as well. Whichever mode of nutrient acquisition, H. lacunosa is supportive of its woodsy habitat by contributing to the slow-cycle interchange of nutrients within its microecosystem and may help to bring about the eventual reconstitution of forest soil [3].

The fungi's contorted form and odd appearance have had it collected for scientific study, though its consumption is not widespread. Certain species of Helvella are thought to contain substances that can irritate the digestive system and need to be cooked thoroughly [4][5]. However, its eccentric, sinistral form has also raised the curiosity of folklorists and the public alike.

[1] Kuo, Michael.“Helvella lacunosa.” MushroomExpert.com. https://www.mushroomexpert.com/helvella_lacunosa.html

[2] First Nature.“Elfin Saddle (Helvella lacunosa) Fungus.” First Nature: Fungi of Northern Europe and North America. https://first-nature.com/fungi/helvella-lacunosa.php

[3] ScienceDirect Topics.“Helvella – an overview.” ScienceDirect Topics in Agricultural and Biological Sciences. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/helvella

[4] Wikipedia.“Helvella.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Last modified 2025. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helvella

[5] Totally Wild UK.“Elfin Saddle (Helvella lacunosa) Identification and Guide.” Totally Wild UK.https://totallywilduk.co.uk/2021/12/02/elfin-saddle-helvella-lacunosa-identification/