Morchella diminutiva

Image credits (L-R): Brad Bomanz via Missouri Mycological Society, @badgercheadle via iNaturalist, @gillyj via iNaturalist.

Taxonomic classification: Kingdom Fungi > Phylum Ascomycota > Class Pezizomycetes > Order Pezizales > Family Morchellaceae > Genus Morchella

Authorities: M. Kuo, Dewsbury, Moncalvo & S.L. Stephenson

Common name: tulip morel

Description: Smaller in size from other yellow morel species (3-9 cm tall, 1-2 cm wide; compare to similar-looking M. virginiana which is 7-13 cm tall, 2-3.5 cm wide). Cap: vertically oriented pits and ridges on cap; pits grayish and ridges yellow to brown when mature; hollow. Stem: distinctly long compared to cap; hollow. Groove between stem and cap small or non-existent.

Ecology: Growing singly, scattered, or gregariously. Associated with tulip trees, ashes, and hickories.
Edibility: Prized edible.