Any of various species of edible mushrooms in the genera Morchella and Verpa .
Morels have a convoluted or pitted head, or cap, vary in shape, and occur in diverse habitats. The edible M. esculenta , found in woods during early summer, is among the most highly prized edible fungi. The bell morel ( Verpa ), an edible mushroom with a bell-shaped cap, is found in woods and in old orchards in early spring. False morels, or lorchels, are represented by the genera Gyromitra and Helvella . Most species of Gyromitra are poisonous.