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Lycoperdon pratense, commonly known as the Field Puffball or Meadow Puffball, is a species of puffball mushroom in the family Agaricaceae. It is characterized by its small to medium size, round to pear-shaped fruiting body, and smooth, whitish to tan surface. As it matures, the interior becomes powdery and brown, eventually releasing spores through a pore at the top.
How to Identify
- Cap
- No distinct cap; the entire fruiting body serves as the spore-bearing structure.
- Gills
- Absent; puffballs do not have gills.
- Stem
- Absent or very short and inconspicuous.
- Flesh
- Initially white and firm, becoming powdery and brown as it matures.
- Fruiting body
- Small to medium size, round to pear-shaped.
- Habitat
- Grows in grassy areas such as meadows, pastures, and lawns.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Smooth
- Growth Form: Puffball
- Spore Print: Brown
- Body color: Whitish to tan
- Odor: Mild
- Flesh bruises: No bruising
- Height: 2-5 cm
- Cap Diameter: 2-5 cm
- Nutrient gathering: Saprophytic
Safe
SafeGenerally considered edible when young and the flesh is firm and white. Avoid consuming if the flesh is discolored or powdery.
Quick Check
- Odor: Mild, mushroomy
- Fruiting: Solitary or in groups
- Substrate: Grassland
Where to Find
Meadows
Common in open meadows and grassy fields.
Pastures
Often found in pastures where livestock graze.
Lawns
Can appear in lawns, especially after rain.
Finding Tips
Look in Grassy Areas
Search in open, grassy areas, especially after rainfall.
Check After Rain
Puffballs often appear shortly after periods of rain.
Similar Species
Common Puffball
Mushroom
Also known as: Lycoperdon perlatum
Dusky Puffball
Mushroom
Also known as: Lycoperdon nigrescens
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Agaricales
- Family
- Agaricaceae
- Genus
- Lycoperdon
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: N/A
- Freezing duration: N/A
- Min Temperature: Refrigerate at 2-4°C
- Refrigeration: 1-2 days
How to Clean
Wipe off any dirt or debris with a damp cloth. Ensure the puffball is firm and white inside before consumption.
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