How to identify Stump Puffball

To correctly identify Stump Puffball (Lycoperdon pyriforme), 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.

   N/A (Puffballs do not have caps)

2. 2

   Gills

   Attachment to stem, color, and spacing.

   Absent

3. 3

   Stem

   Length, shape, surface, and any ring.

   Absent or rudimentary

4. 4

   Flesh

   Color, texture, and bruising reaction.

   White and firm when young, turning yellowish-brown and powdery with age.

5. 5

   Fruiting body

   Overall growth pattern.

   Pear-shaped to round, 1-4 cm in diameter, white to tan, often in clusters.

6. 6

   Habitat

   Where it grows and on what substrate.

   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

Fruit body characteristics

• Gill attachment: N/A (Gills absent)
• Stem shape: N/A (Stem absent or rudimentary)
• Stem surface: Smooth to slightly rough
• Ring: Absent
• Stem cross-section: N/A (Stem absent or rudimentary)

Explore Stump Puffball