The ball-shaped head of the spiny puffball (Lycoperdon echinatum) is covered with soft, spine-like protrusions clustered in groups of three and fused at the tips. Its scientific name comes from a Greek word meaning “sea urchin” or “hedgehog.” As the mushroom grows, it darkens and loses these spines. This species of puffball is inedible, even when young.
Odor:
Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.
In This Article
Attributes
Similar Species
Tips for Finding
Clean and Preserve
Common Questions
General Info About Spiny puffball
Instantly identify mushrooms with a snap
Snap a photo for instant mushroom ID and risk assessment, gaining quick insights on edible guidelines, toxicity, medical value, habitat, culture, and foraging techniques, etc.
Download the App for Free
Attributes of Spiny puffball
Height
4 - 10 cm
Cap
Surface puffball
Flesh
White
Spore Print Color
Brown
Odor
Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.
Body Color
Brown
Red
White
Flesh Bruises
The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.
The spiny puffball is a woodland mushroom, primarily associated with broadleaf deciduous trees such as beech. Its habitat is also associated with chalk and limestone. The mushroom grows on the ground, usually in leaf litter.
Distribution Area of Spiny puffball
North America,Europe,Africa,Central America,Asia
Hunting Values of Spiny puffball
Edibility is controversial. While some guides suggest that this peculiarly shaped Lycoperdon species is edible when young, others believe it's inedible.
Uses of Spiny puffball
Spiny puffball is recognized for its questionable edibility, often requiring expert knowledge to process correctly. While not a popular culinary choice, it may be consumed with caution after thorough cooking to neutralize potential toxins. Its collection value is limited due to these concerns, and it's not widely sought after. Harvesters should be aware of the risks and ensure proper identification before considering consumption.
Unlocking the Secrets of Identifying Many Types of Mushroom
Master the Art of Distinguishing Mushroom Varieties with Expert Tips.
Download the App for Free
Tips for Finding Spiny puffball
Your Ultimate Guide to Understanding Mushrooms
Explore the Ins and Outs of Mushroom Hunting: Timing, Optimal Soil Conditions, and More Tips!
Download the App for Free
When is the Best Time to Find Spiny puffball
For the best chances to locate spiny puffball, aim for late summer through autumn. These seasons offer optimal climatic conditions, with cooler temperatures and moist weather being particularly conducive.
What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Spiny puffball
Calcareous, well-drained, rich in organic matter.
What are Some Tips for Finding Spiny puffball
Focus on deciduous woodland areas, particularly where beech trees are abundant.
Look for areas with visible chalk or limestone, indicative of the preferred soil type for spiny puffball.
Inspect the ground closely around beech trees, where spiny puffball often appears.
Gently move leaf litter aside in these specific areas to unveil hidden spiny puffball.
Explore gently sloping areas which encourage the well-drained conditions favored by spiny puffball.
How to Clean and Preserve Spiny puffball
Your Comprehensive Mushroom Preservation Guide
Explore efficient methods for cleaning and preserving mushrooms to ensure their freshness and quality.
Download the App for Free
How to Clean Spiny puffball
To clean spiny puffball, inspect for tunneling indicating worms; remove any tissue with holes, ensuring the rest is white and firm. Brush off dirt or cut off dirty sections, usually at the base. Avoid water to prevent sogginess; use a damp cloth if necessary.
Tips on Dry Preservation of Spiny puffball
Drying Methods
Dehydrator Drying, Oven Drying, Air Drying
Drying Duration
12 - 18 months
Store in a cool, dark place with low humidity and airtight containers to prevent rehydration.
Dehydrator drying: Ensures consistent airflow and temperature, effectively removing moisture.
Oven drying: Controlled environment allows steady drying at low temperatures.
Air drying: Natural process, works well in arid climates with good ventilation.
Tips on Freezing Preservation of Spiny puffball
Freezing Duration
10 - 12 months
Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Spiny puffball
Refrigerating Methods
Paper Bag Storage, Perforated Plastic Bag Storage, Container with Absorbent Lining
Temperature
0 - 4 ℃
Refrigerating Humidity
90 - 95 %
Refrigerating Duration
5 - 7 days
Paper Bag Storage: Store in paper bags to absorb excess moisture and maintain ventilation, preventing spoilage.
Perforated Plastic Bag Storage: Use perforated plastic bags to allow airflow while retaining some humidity, balancing moisture levels.
Container with Absorbent Lining: Place mushrooms in a container with paper towels between layers to absorb moisture and avoid clumping.
Common Questions People Also Ask
Get Quick Mushroom Answers with a Snap
Snap a photo for instant mushroom ID and answers on edible guidelines, toxicity, medical value, habitat, culture, and foraging techniques!
