 Morchella snyderi is suspected of being both saprobic and mycorrhizal at different stages in its life cycle. Fruit bodies grow singly, scattered, or in groups on the ground under conifers, particularly Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), ponderosa pine (P. ponderosa) and white fir (Abies concolor). Fruiting occurs from April to June. The fungus has been collected in California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. M. snyderi, identified as phylogenetic species Mel-12, has been shown to colonize the non-native species Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass) as an endophyte. This is hypothesized to be a contributing factor in the success of cheatgrass as an invasive species in western North America.
