A warmer and rainy pattern means more of these mushrooms will be popping up. Here’s what to look for.
With a warmer and wetter pattern settling in for the middle of the week, the chances that we’ll see new growth on the ground will continue to increase dramatically. In addition to greener grass and more trees with emerging leaves, we’ll also be able to start hunting for these funny looking things, Morel mushrooms.
Morel mushroom hunting has become increasingly common all across the United States in the last several years. The fact that they require specific growing conditions not easily duplicated has turned the process of finding them into a sport that many enjoy today. While they look like something out of a science-fiction movie, they are considered a prized delicacy. Morels can make everything from wine sauce to pasta and even soup! You’ll find plenty of them at the local farmers market, often selling for a pretty penny!
In the weather world, there are two specific conditions that we want to keep track of; the temperature of the air/soil, and the rainfall pattern. Ideally, morel mushrooms prefer air temperatures of 60 degrees or higher with soil temperatures between 45 and 50 degrees. Right now our soil temperatures are nearly perfect, sitting at 46 degrees. Our temperatures have been rather cool lately, but a nice warm up into the 60s and 70s for much of this week will take care of that problem nicely.
Precipitation is another important factor. We’ve had a fairly active winter with plenty of snowfall, and now a wet spring to boot. With rain chances and warmer temperatures coming together this week, conditions will be even more ripe for finding these mushrooms. Rain is likely on Wednesday and Thursday, so it will be the day after the rain falls that you’ll want to head out to your local forest and begin your search. Friday looks to be perfect with clouds and a few peaks of sunshine with highs comfortably in the 60s.
According to www.thegreatmorel.com, no sightings have been logged in northern Illinois or Iowa for that matter. The closest sighting is near Peoria. By the end of this week, we’ll likely see this map change and notice a more northward progression to the observation marks.
Some helpful tips for finding these:
Watch for a sloped hill: The side of a hill that gets more sunshine will be where morels start to show first, especially south-facing slopes.
Watch for certain types of trees:Morels can grow on trees, especially elm, ash, poplar and apple trees. They have even been found under pine trees!
Look for worn ground:Burn sites and areas that have been flooded are known to produce quite a population!
WATCH FOR TICKS:You’ll be in the woods after all. Dress appropriately and use a tick repellent.
Meteorologist Andrew Stutzke
FAQs
A common misconception about morel hunting is that you must wait until the sun pops out after a spring rain. “Morels grow incredibly fast,” Dipardo noted. “If all conditions are right and it is going to rain until 3 p.m., be there before noon. You may beat someone else to the prize.”
What temperature kills morel mushrooms? ›
When soil temperatures reach 50 degrees in the spring, Morels will begin to appear. Sadly, once soil temperatures hit 60 degrees, the season will be over.
Can morels pop up over night? ›
Myth 3: Morels Pop
It's the whitetail equivalent of the rut, or the bass fishing equivalent of the spawn. In the mind of most foragers, the pop is a burst of growth where entire 3-inch morels appear overnight. That's simply not the case.
What temperature do morels pop up? ›
Morels can start popping up when soil temperatures reach around 50-60 degrees F, and most of Iowa has 4” soil temperatures hovering right around 50 degrees F now in mid-April.
How do you encourage morels to spread? ›
Morel mushrooms prefer woody areas that have been burned rather than soil. Adding a bit of ash to the blend or sprinkling it on the ground where you'll pour the slurry can help recreate this type of environment and increase your chances of success.
Will morels grow back in the same spot? ›
Since they are mushroom that grow from mycelial networks in the soil, its a safe bet that they could be found in the same spot if the conditions were right.
Do morels grow bigger after they pop up? ›
Mike took these images of a small grey morel over a 6 day period and once again is proof that depending on when you first spot the morel, they do in fact grow.
How close to trees are morels? ›
Usually, the mushrooms grow on the edges of wooded areas, especially around oak, elm, ash, and aspen trees. Look for dead or dying trees while you're on the hunt, too, because morels tend to grow right around the base. Another good place to check for mushrooms is in any area that's been recently disturbed.
Do not drink alcohol with morels.? ›
8: Morel Mushrooms
Even those who are normally able to enjoy morels without any ill effects may find that consuming them with alcohol causes nausea or vomiting.
Does rain make morels grow? ›
Timing is Critical
It is at this time the ground temperature reaches the low to mid 50's which is the optimum growing condition for morels. Some rain to moisten the soil is required but it's a myth is that you need the sun to really “pop” them. Some of my most productive seasons have been cloudy, rainy springs.
Watch for a sloped hill: The side of a hill that gets more sunshine will be where morels start to show first, especially south-facing slopes. Watch for certain types of trees: Morels can grow on trees, especially elm, ash, poplar and apple trees. They have even been found under pine trees!
What time of day is best to find morels? ›
Ninja Shroomer says a good rule to remember is the 40-50-60 rule. Morels grow best when it's 40 degrees at night and 60 degrees during the day because that means the ground temperature is about 50 degrees. Also, we went morel hunting the day after it rained, which is actually the best time to find them.
What are the signs to look for when hunting morels? ›
Usually, the mushrooms grow on the edges of wooded areas, especially around oak, elm, ash, and aspen trees. Look for dead or dying trees while you're on the hunt, too, because morels tend to grow right around the base. Another good place to check for mushrooms is in any area that's been recently disturbed.
What makes morels pop up? ›
Temperature and moisture are by far the most important factors for fungi growth. Morels will not grow if the soil is too warm or cold. They also tend to like moist soil, so snowy winters and rainy springs are ideal. It's good to pay attention to snowpack and snowmelt especially in the mountains.
Do morels like sun or shade? ›
Morels grow in the filtered light of forests.
