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The Scaly Earthball (Scleroderma verrucosum) is a common puffball-like fungus found in grassy areas and open woods. It is characterized by its warty or scaly cap surface, which gives it a distinctive appearance. While not considered deadly poisonous, it can cause gastrointestinal upset in some individuals and is therefore not recommended for consumption.
How to Identify
- Cap
- Round to irregular shape, 2-6 cm in diameter, surface covered with coarse scales or warts, yellowish-brown to dark brown in color.
- Gills
- N/A (Gasteroid fungus)
- Stem
- Absent or a short, stem-like base.
- Flesh
- Firm when young, becoming powdery with age. White to yellowish-brown.
- Fruiting body
- Puffball-like, roundish to irregular.
- Habitat
- Grassy areas, meadows, and open woods, often near deciduous trees.
Key Facts
- Cap surfaces: Covered with coarse scales or warts
- Growth Form: Puffball-like
- Spore Print: Dark brown to blackish
- Body color: Yellowish-brown to dark brown
- Odor: Mild, earthy
- Flesh bruises: No significant bruising reaction
- Height: 2-6 cm
- Cap Diameter: 2-6 cm
- Nutrient gathering: Mycorrhizal or saprobic
Toxic
Mild ToxicityCan cause gastrointestinal upset in some individuals. Not recommended for consumption.
Quick Check
- Odor: Mild, earthy
- Fruiting: Summer to autumn
- Substrate: Soil
Where to Find
Habitat
Found in grassy areas, meadows, and open woods.
Tree Association
Often found near deciduous trees, particularly oaks and beeches.
Finding Tips
Season
Look for them from summer to autumn.
Environment
Check areas with well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight.
Similar Species
Scleroderma citrinum
mushroom
Also known as: Common Earthball
Scleroderma areolatum
mushroom
Also known as: Areolate Earthball
Scientific Classification
- Phylum
- Basidiomycota
- Class
- Agaricomycetes
- Order
- Boletales
- Family
- Sclerodermataceae
- Genus
- Scleroderma
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