Gem Studded Puffballs
Lycoperdon perlatum
Do not eat any fungi that has not been properly identified by a qualified professional, some are DEADLY when ingested. All edible wild fungi MUST be cooked.
The gem-studded puffball is also known as the common puffball. When young they have a spongy or puffy feel. As they matures, the interior and exterior flesh yellows, then brownish. They grow solitary to scattered or in clusters. The Latin name is derived from lyco which means wolf and perdon refers to flatulence. Lycoperdon means wolf fart perhaps
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Type
puffball
Distinguishing Features
Spherical shaped, white when young, and can be somewhat shaped like a pear as it ages. They become yellowish brown at maturity, some appearing elongated toward the base. They average 2 to 6cm (0.7" to 2.36" wide). The surface is covered with white conical spines when young and brownish-yellow as they age. The spines discard at full maturation and leaves a scar surrounded by small warts, which together, give a reticulated appearance. At maturity the fruit bodies develop a central perforation through which spores are liberated. The flesh is solid and white when young, dusty and dark brown with age (due to the spores).
Height
These puffballs grow anywhere from 3 to 8 cm (1.18" to 3.14") tall.
Habitat
These saprobic puffballs occur on wood substrate, well decayed wood, in mulch, and they grow on the ground in leaf litter. These grow throughout most of North America.
Spore Print
Olive-brown spores turn dark brown when fully mature.
Season
July to November depending on geographic location.
Gills
No gills.
Edibility
This species is edible only when the gleba (internal spore tissue) is completely white.
Other Name
Common Puffball.
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