Sometimes mistaken for a true morel, this species is characterized by a cap resembling a thimble that is freely attached to the stipe.

V. conica mushrooms attach at the top of the cap—so they are even distinguishable from half-free morels (e.g. Morchella semilibera).

[8] The species can be found in North America from the West Coast (from March to June) to the Northeast (from April to May).

[8] It grows singly, scattered, or in groups on the ground in both hardwood and coniferous forests, often in river valleys, or along stream banks.

[6] Verpa species should always be cooked thoroughly and, if being eaten for the first time, restricted to small portions to test tolerance.