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Photo By LiCheng Shih

Brain puffball

Calvatia craniiformis

A species of Calvatia

Brain puffball is a large, distinctive mushroom that prefers grassy habitats, often found in various urban settings. When young, its flesh is firm and white. As the mushroom matures, its interior turns into a green spore mass that, when inhaled, can cause respiratory issues.

Odor:

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

General Info About Brain puffball

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Attributes of Brain puffball

Height

6 - 20 cm

Spore Print Color

Olive brown

Odor

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

Body Color

Brown

White

Gray

Growth Form

Solitary, Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Saprophytic

Substrate

On soil

Occurence Habitats

Meadows, Disturbed Lands

Species Status

Common

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Habitat of Brain puffball

Brain puffball is typically found in grassy areas, including both urban and woodland edges, ditches, and disturbed lands.

Distribution Area of Brain puffball

From the northeastern United States to the Rocky Mountains and the Southwest.

Scientific Classification of Brain puffball

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Gilled fungi

Family

Agaricaceae

Genus

Calvatia

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Tips for Finding Brain puffball

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What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Brain puffball

Prefers rich and well-drained soil.

What are Some Tips for Finding Brain puffball

Search in open grassy areas, such as parks or lawns.
Look for brain puffball in places where the ground has been disturbed or is in disrepair.
Check near the edges of forests where the tree line meets open fields.
Investigate roadside ditches and other similar waste places.
Move slowly and inspect potential habitats carefully, as brain puffball may blend in with its surroundings.

How to Clean and Preserve Brain puffball

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Common Questions People Also Ask

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