Snow Morel
Distribution
Mountain regions of western North America (Rocky Mountains, Sierra Nevada, Pacific Northwest), Europe (Alpine and boreal regions), and parts of Asia. Found at higher elevations.
Habitat
Conifer forests, particularly in mountainous areas near snowmelt. Often found fruiting at the edges of melting snowbanks in spring. Grows in sandy or gravelly soil under conifers.
Season
Spring (March to June), often fruiting as snow melts. Closely associated with snowmelt areas in mountains.
Toxin Type
Gyromitrin
Symptoms
Overview: Same gyromitrin poisoning syndrome as G. esculenta, though potentially less severe due to lower toxin content. Phase 1 Gastrointestinal: 5-12 hours post-consumption: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea with significant fluid loss. Phase 2 Hepatic Damage: Acute liver injury, kidney impairment within 1-2 days. Phase 3 Neurological: Confusion, vertigo, ataxia, delirium, and potentially seizures from GABA depletion. Mechanism: Same as G. esculenta - MMH blocks GABA synthesis.