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Calvatia gigantea, commonly known as the giant puffball, is a saprobic fungus found growing on lawns, in meadows, and in deciduous woods, mainly during late summer and autumn. It is common throughout temperate areas of the world. Giant puffballs are among the largest of all fungi, sometimes reaching diameters of over 150 cm (59 in). The inside of mature giant puffballs is greenish-brown, whereas the interior of immature puffballs is white. The edibility of the giant puffball depends on its maturity. The flesh should be firm and white like a marshmallow. As the mushroom matures, it becomes yellow and then brown, and edible qualities are lost. They can cause gastrointestinal problems if eaten when they are older.
How to Identify
- Cap
- There is no distinct cap. The entire fruiting body is a single, large, round structure.
- Gills
- There are no gills. The spores are produced internally within the gleba.
- Stem
- There is no stem. The fruiting body sits directly on the ground.
- Flesh
- The flesh (gleba) is white and firm when young, gradually turning yellowish and then brownish as it matures. Mature specimens contain a powdery mass of spores.
- Fruiting body
- The fruiting body is large and spherical, resembling a soccer ball. It lacks a stem and has a smooth, white to brownish outer surface.
- Habitat
- It grows in grassy areas, meadows, fields, and deciduous woods. It is often found in late summer and autumn.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Smooth
- Growth Form: Puffball
- Spore Print: Olive-brown
- Body color: White when young, turning yellowish to brownish with age.
- Odor: Mild, mushroomy
- Flesh bruises: Does not bruise significantly.
- Height: Up to 50 cm
- Cap Diameter: Up to 150 cm
- Nutrient gathering: Saprobic
Safe
SafeGenerally considered edible when young and the flesh is white and firm. Mature specimens with yellowish or brownish flesh should be avoided as they can cause gastrointestinal upset.
Quick Check
- Odor: Mild and mushroomy when young.
- Fruiting: Late summer to autumn.
- Substrate: Grows on the ground in grassy areas and woods.
Where to Find
Lawns and Meadows
Often found in open grassy areas, especially after rain.
Deciduous Woods
Can also be found in wooded areas with plenty of leaf litter.
Finding Tips
Look After Rain
Giant puffballs tend to appear after periods of heavy rain.
Check Open Areas
Focus your search on lawns, meadows, and fields.
Similar Species
Scleroderma citrinum
a poisonous earthball
Also known as: common earthball, pigskin poison puffball, or common scleroderma
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Agaricales
- Family
- Lycoperdaceae
- Genus
- Calvatia
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: 0°C
- Freezing duration: 3 months
- Min Temperature: 2°C
- Refrigeration: 1 week
How to Clean
Wipe the surface clean with a damp cloth. Remove any dirt or debris. If the outer surface is tough, you may need to peel it off.
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