Black Elfin Saddle, Helvella lacunosa

These fungi are in the division Ascomycota, or cup fungi. They can be found under native trees in the River Park from Winter through early Spring. The name comes from the shape that the spore-producing black area takes on -- sometimes resembling a little saddle! Black Elfin Saddle is edible when cooked.

Text and Photo by Robyn Waayers. Robyn has been a resident of San Diego County since 1977, and is a biology instructor at Palomar, Miramar and Southwestern Colleges, and is also a freelance nature photographer. Contact information: rwaayers@aol.com

Back to Top of Page.