How to identify Field Puffball

To correctly identify Field Puffball (Lycoperdon pratense), 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.

   No distinct cap; the entire fruiting body serves as the spore-bearing structure.

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   Absent; puffballs do not have gills.

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   Absent or very short and inconspicuous.

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   Initially white and firm, becoming powdery and brown as it matures.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   Small to medium size, round to pear-shaped.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   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

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: Absent
• Stem shape: Absent or short
• Stem surface: Smooth
• Ring: Absent
• Stem cross-section: N/A

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