How to identify Purple-spored puffball

To correctly identify Purple-spored puffball (Calvatia cyathiformis), check each of these features in order. Misidentification is the most common cause of mushroom poisoning, so cross-reference multiple sources.

Step-by-step identification

1. 1

   Cap

   Shape, color, surface texture, and diameter.

   Outer skin (exoperidium) is smooth to scurfy, brownish-tan, often cracking into patches.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   Not present.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   Well-developed, thick sterile base that remains after the upper part has disintegrated.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   Initially white and firm (gleba), turning yellow, then olive-brown to purple-brown powdery mass.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   Globose to top-shaped, 7-20 cm broad.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   Found on the ground in meadows, pastures, parks, and lawns.

Key Facts

Cap surfaces

Smooth to cracked into large, pale, polygonal areas

Growth Form

Solitary to gregarious

Spore Print

Purple-brown

Body color

Tan, brownish-gray, or grayish-purple

Odor

Mild

Flesh bruises

Does not bruise, but interior discolors as it matures

Height

Up to 20 cm

Cap Diameter

7-20 cm

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: None
• Stem shape: Stout, thick sterile base
• Stem surface: Similar to cap or smooth
• Ring: Absent
• Stem cross-section: Solid, firm, white flesh when young

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