elfin saddle

plural elfin saddles

1. Any of certain ascomycetous fungi of genus Helvella with an irregular cap resembling a saddle, especially Helvella crispa or Helvella lacunosa.

   Here too are the false morels (genus Gyromitra) and elfin saddles (genus Helvella), which are generally regarded — or suspected — to be poisonous when consumed, especially if eaten raw.

   2003, William C. Roody, Mushrooms of West Virginia and the Central Appalachians, page 477

2. Any member of species Gyromitra infula of ascomycetes, which similarly resemble a saddle.

   […]since the Bohemian morel can be confused with the toxic elfin saddle (Gyromitra infula) or other undesirable fungi.

   1980, The University of Washington Arboretum Bulletin, volumes 43-45, page 39

   1 more example

   2005, Pacific Northwest Forest and Range Experiment Station (Portland, Oregon), Research Note PNW-RN-546, page 7, Of the several species of Gyromitra that might be encountered in Alaska, two are especially important for morel hunters to learn: Gyromitra esculenta ssp. lato, the beefsteak false morel, and G. infula ssp. lato, the elfin saddle.