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Pestle puffball

Lycoperdon excipuliforme

A species of Lycoperdon, Also known as Pistle-shaped puffball

When compressed, the fruiting body of the pestle puffball releases its powdery, green-brown spores in a burst. These spores are seriously harmful to humans - inhaling the spores of a mature puffball can lead to a respiratory disease called lycoperdonosis. The stem part can survive winter and tends to pop out when the snow starts to melt.

Cap Diameter:

4 - 10 cm

Odor:

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

General Info About Pestle puffball

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Attributes of Pestle puffball

Cap Diameter

4 - 10 cm

Height

6 - 20 cm

Cap

4 - 10 cm; globe-like; white to ochre; initially the surface covered in pointed warts;then become smooth, matt

Stem

Parallel; white to ochre; surface with pointed warts at first, then become smooth and leathery

Stem Shapes

Tapering

Flesh

With the consistency of a marshmallow sweet; white, turns yellow, then grey-brown

Ring

Ringless

Spore Print Color

Brown

Odor

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

Body Color

Brown

White

Flesh Bruises

The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.

Growth Form

Solitary, Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Saprophytic

Substrate

On soil

You can find Pestle puffball by these plants:

Spruces, Oaks

Occurence Habitats

Deciduous Woodland, Coniferous Woodland, Meadows

Species Status

Widespread and fairly common find in Britain and Ireland.

Endangered Species

How to Identify Pestle puffball

Fruiting Body Flesh Habit & Habitat

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Habitat of Pestle puffball

The pestle puffball grows in grasslands, pastures, and woodlands, particularly woodland clearings and edges. It can be found in grass, but it actually grows on well-decayed woody debris that's buried in the soil.

Distribution Area of Pestle puffball

North America, Europe

Hunting Values of Pestle puffball

Only edible when young.

Uses of Pestle puffball

Pestle puffball is recognized as edible with precautions, indicating it should be consumed carefully if at all. The value of pestle puffball lies in its culinary potential, though its edibility is controversial due to potential confusion with toxic species. Harvesters should only consume pestle puffball after proper identification and preparation to avoid health risks. It's not a widely popular edible mushroom, and caution is advised when considering it for consumption.

Scientific Classification of Pestle puffball

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Gilled fungi

Family

Agaricaceae

Genus

Lycoperdon

Toxicity and Edibility of Pestle puffball

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Edibility of Pestle puffball

The pestle puffball is only edible when young. Cut each fruit in half vertically and discard if not completely white throughout. Be sure of your source and wary of lookalikes — the Deathcap is also pure white and rounded when immature. Fry or boil the pestle puffball after removing the tough outer skin. It tastes best in soups or schnitzel.

Similar Species to Pestle puffball

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Golden bootleg

Similar Species

Pestle puffball

Confusing Aspects of Golden bootleg and Pestle puffball?

Pestle puffball may have a similar shape to the individuals of Golden bootleg in their juvenile stage, leading to misidentification.

How to Differentiate Between Golden bootleg and Pestle puffball?

Pestle puffball: Overall structure is puffball-like with no defined cap.

Golden bootleg: Possesses a clear differentiation between the cap and stem.

Pestle puffball: Typically solitary or in small groups.

Golden bootleg: Often found growing in rings or large clusters.

Tips for Finding Pestle puffball

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When is the Best Time to Find Pestle puffball

Search for pestle puffball from late summer to autumn, after periods of rain when the ground is damp. Best found when daytime temperatures are mild and there is increased soil moisture.

What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Pestle puffball

Prefers fertile, well-drained soil.

What are Some Tips for Finding Pestle puffball

Focus your search in woodlands, observing the ground beneath tree canopies for emerging fruiting bodies.
Inspect the bases of trees and surrounding leaf litter where these mushrooms may be nestled in small groups or as solitary specimens.
Scan through grasslands and along hedgerows, especially where the soil is rich and there's shade.
Look for their characteristic shape resembling an inverted pear or an elongated puffball.
Use gentle hands when examining potential finds, as pestle puffball can be delicate.

How to Clean and Preserve Pestle puffball

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How to Clean Pestle puffball

To clean pestle puffball, brush off any dirt with a soft brush or dry towel. For stubborn debris, gently wipe with a slightly damp cloth. Avoid soaking, as pestle puffball may absorb water which could affect their texture. Keep the outer skin intact until cleaning is complete to protect the mushroom.

Tips on Freezing Preservation of Pestle puffball

Freezing Methods

Blanching Before Freezing

Freezing Duration

10 - 12 months

Blanching before freezing: Inactivates enzymes to preserve texture and quality.

Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Pestle puffball

Refrigerating Methods

Paper Bag Storage, Perforated Plastic Bag Storage, Container with Absorbent Lining

Temperature

2 - 4 ℃

Refrigerating Humidity

85 - 90 %

Refrigerating Duration

1 - 2 weeks

Paper Bag Storage: Store in a paper bag to allow moisture to escape, preventing spoilage.

Perforated Plastic Bag Storage: Use perforated bags to balance moisture retention and air circulation.

Container with Absorbent Lining: Line a container with paper towels to absorb excess moisture.

Common Questions People Also Ask

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More Mushrooms That Are Similar to Pestle puffball

Common puffball

Lycoperdon perlatum