Where do morel mushrooms grow?

Morels live in and on the edge of forested areas. Look for ash, aspen, elm, and oak trees, around which morels often grow. Early in the spring as the ground is warming, you'll find them on south-facing slopes in fairly open areas. As the season progresses, go deeper into the woods and onto north-facing slopes. read more

Morels normally grow in a five-year cycle of gathering and storing nutrients after the spores fall, cross-pollinate and germinate. The root system that supports the sprouting morel is annual and is replaced each season after it deteriorates. read more

The life cycle of the morel mushroom is complicated, as explained by Tom Volk. Spores released by the fruiting bodies form thread-like structures called mycelia. The mycelia grow continuously until growing conditions become harsh, and at that point they develop into sclerotia. read more