Dead Elms, Ash and Morel Trees: How to Identify Them Before Leaf-Out
"How to identify morel trees as a beginner?" In most of the Midwest, the answer starts with elm. Morels are often reported near elms that died recently enough to keep some bark. The hard part is that morel season comes before leaf-out, so you have to read trees by bark and shape.
When identifying elms without leaves
- Bark: on American elm, the gray bark has interlacing ridges forming a diamond-like pattern. If you break off a chip, many hunters look for the alternating light and dark (reddish-brown and whitish) layers in cross-section.
- Shape: an open-grown elm forms a vase, with the trunk splitting into several upward-arching limbs.
- Twigs and buds: zig-zag twigs, with small pointed buds set off-center above the leaf scar.
- Last year's leaves on the ground: lopsided bases and double-toothed edges.
Which dead elms to check
- Bark slipping, still partly attached. Many hunters report this stage more often than long-dead, bare-gray snags.
- Twig dieback in the crown, with live trees nearby. Dutch elm disease keeps creating new candidates.
- Ground around the base, out to the dripline, especially on the sunny side early in the season.
Ash trees after emerald ash borer
"We've been hit with the emerald ash borers and they no longer are good indicators." Across much of MI, OH, IN and IL, most ash died years ago. Recently killed ash were a common report area during the die-off. Long-dead ash with no bark left are generally reported as much less useful. Ash is still worth a look where it died recently, often at the leading edge of the borer's spread.
Other trees Midwest hunters check
- Tulip poplar (southern Ohio and Indiana, Kentucky): straight trunks and tulip-shaped seed clusters left from last year.
- Sycamore and cottonwood along river bottoms. Bottoms warm later but stay moist.
- Old apple orchards. Old orchards were often sprayed with lead arsenate and later DDT, and lead and arsenic can stay in the topsoil for decades. Know the site's history and get permission.
- Sometimes oak and hickory slopes, later in the season.
Timing the trees
Southern and sunny slopes come first. North slopes and bottoms come later. Trees only tell you where to look, while soil temperature and rain tell you when. See how long after rain and soil temperature.
Before you pick, learn the true vs false morel differences and confirm any ID with a local mycological club or expert. This page makes no claims about edibility.
FAQ
What tree do morels grow under?
In the Midwest, dying American elm is the most commonly cited, then recently dead ash, tulip poplar, sycamore, cottonwood and old apple.
How do I tell an elm is dead?
Look for bark loosening or sloughing off and no buds on upper twigs. Compare it with live elms nearby.
Are ash trees still good for morels?
Mostly only where they died recently. Long-dead ash are generally reported as poor.