Where to Find Morels?

With a savory spring truffle that can sell for $30-40 per pound, "where are the Morels?" could easily be a million dollar question! Unfortunately, there's no simple answer, and that's part of the thrill behind finding them. You can narrow down your search to the types of places these mushrooms thrive by focusing on what they need to survive. First, I'll tell you what the telltale signs are that mushrooms might be in the area, then we'll talk about where in central Iowa you can go to find them.

Morels need three basic things to survive: moisture, food, and suitable temperatures. Did you know, the ground temperature can vary by as much as 20 degrees from the sunny side of a hill to the shady side? Morels do! And they usually "pop" up on the warm sides first. Right now, I'm finding most mushrooms on the south and west facing hillsides. We're still early in the season, so only isolated "pockets" of woods are producing, so you might have to look for quite some time.

What about food? Morels, like other fungi, require dead organic matter to break down or consume. Dead trees are usually a perfect location to target your search. The most success I've had is with dead elm or oak trees with at least 1/2 of the bark still on the tree. These I call "indicator trees." Look around the base, where the roots are, and once you find one take a long look around. Usually where there's one, there's several. Some spots may have 100 or more! Finally, they need moisture. Stick to creeks and ditches, or the lower 1/3 of the hillside. With rain in the forecast though, they should be springing up all over within a week! Usually, a day after a good dousing rain will offer a fresh crop of Morel mushrooms!

Now where to go? Pick apart any stretch of woods, especially along rivers and creeks. State public areas and even city parks will have morels to be found, the trick is getting there before anyone else. If you're up for some gravel travel, one trick I try is to drive along the county roads where there are woodland areas. Seek out those dead indicator trees on the side of the road and stop by for a look. Remember, don't cross any fences and usually public land is only 15 feet from the road. Please be respectful of others' property and don't trespass.

If you're new to finding morels, I highly recommend going with someone who knows how to find them. Your odds of success will be higher and the chances of picking a 'false morel' or mushroom that isn't edible will be much lower. Make sure you pick the correct mushrooms -the wrong ones can make you sick! When in doubt, throw it out. Be safe and good luck.