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The Stump Puffball (Lycoperdon pyriforme) is a common and widespread saprophytic fungus. It is characterized by its pear-shaped to round fruit bodies that typically grow on decaying wood. This puffball is edible when young and the inner flesh is still white and firm, but it becomes inedible as it matures and the gleba turns yellowish-brown and powdery.
How to Identify
- Cap
- N/A (Puffballs do not have caps)
- Gills
- Absent
- Stem
- Absent or rudimentary
- Flesh
- White and firm when young, turning yellowish-brown and powdery with age.
- Fruiting body
- Pear-shaped to round, 1-4 cm in diameter, white to tan, often in clusters.
- Habitat
- Decaying wood of hardwoods.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Smooth to slightly rough
- Growth Form: Clustered
- Spore Print: Olive-brown
- Body color: White to tan, darkening with age
- Odor: Mild, mushroomy
- Flesh bruises: Does not bruise
- Height: 1-4 cm
- Cap Diameter: 1-4 cm
- Nutrient gathering: Saprophytic
Safe
SafeGenerally considered edible when young and the inner flesh is white and firm. However, mature specimens with yellowish-brown or powdery gleba should be avoided. Some individuals may experience gastrointestinal upset.
Quick Check
- Odor: Mild
- Fruiting: Autumn
- Substrate: Decaying wood
Where to Find
Woodland
Decaying hardwood logs, stumps, and branches.
Urban Areas
Common in both urban and rural environments.
Finding Tips
Habitat
Look for clusters of small, pear-shaped puffballs on decaying wood.
Maturity
Check for white, firm inner flesh when young to ensure edibility.
Similar Species
Lycoperdon perlatum
Mushroom
Also known as: Gem-studded Puffball
Common Earthball
Mushroom
Also known as: Scleroderma citrinum
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Agaricales
- Family
- Lycoperdaceae
- Genus
- Lycoperdon
Storage Information
- Max Temperature: N/A
- Freezing duration: N/A
- Min Temperature: 2
- Refrigeration: 2-3 days
How to Clean
Wipe gently with a damp cloth to remove debris. Avoid washing to prevent waterlogging.
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