How to identify Giant Puffball

To correctly identify Giant Puffball (Calvatia gigantea), 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.

   There is no distinct cap. The entire fruiting body is a single, large, round structure.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   There are no gills. The spores are produced internally within the gleba.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   There is no stem. The fruiting body sits directly on the ground.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   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.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   The fruiting body is large and spherical, resembling a soccer ball. It lacks a stem and has a smooth, white to brownish outer surface.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   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

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: No gills
• Stem shape: No stem
• Stem surface: No stem
• Ring: No ring
• Stem cross-section: No stem

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