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Common puffball

Lycoperdon perlatum

A species of Lycoperdon, Also known as Gem-studded puffball, Wolf farts

These puffy mushrooms grow in small groups on the forest floor. Once they're mature, common puffballs turn yellow and "puff out" smoke-like spore clouds when disturbed. Be very careful when identifying these mushrooms, as their young, immature form looks very similar to the lethal Deathcap.

Odor:

Mildly mushroomy but not distinctive.

General Info About Common puffball

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Attributes of Common puffball

Height

3 - 10 cm

Cap

Brown; with netlike pattern

Gills

There is no gills.

Stem

An inverted, spongy cone, often distorted

Stem Shapes

Tapering

Stem Surfaces

Scaly

Flesh

Spongy; white, olive brown, yellowish

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, Scattered, Gregarious, Clustered

Nutrient Gathering

Saprophytic

Substrate

On soil, Leaf or Needle Litter

You can find Common puffball by these plants:

Spruces, Firs

Occurence Habitats

Disturbed Lands, Deciduous Woodland, Coniferous Woodland, Mixed Woodland, Meadows

Species Status

Least Concern

Endangered Species

How to Identify Common puffball

Fruiting Body Flesh Stem

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Habitat of Common puffball

Roadside verges, grassy areas, and particularly leaf-littered forests of all types are the preferred habitats for common puffball mushrooms. They grow in detritus like leaf litter, fallen needles, and dung.

Distribution Area of Common puffball

North America, Europe, Northern Asia

Hunting Values of Common puffball

Edible when young.

Uses of Common puffball

Common puffball is appreciated for its edibility when young, although caution is advised due to potential confusion with toxic look-alikes. Gathering common puffball requires expertise, as consuming mature specimens can be dangerous. They're seasonally sought after by knowledgeable foragers and are used in culinary dishes after proper identification and preparation. The mushroom's value lies in its taste, but safety precautions must always be prioritized to avoid health risks.

Scientific Classification of Common puffball

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Gilled fungi

Family

Agaricaceae

Genus

Lycoperdon

Toxicity and Edibility of Common puffball

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Is Common puffball Toxic?

The common puffball is toxic in its mature state. When there are the slightest traces of yellow, brown, or green on the fruitbody, it means that the common puffball started producing spores. In this mature state, it should not be collected and eaten. What's more, the spores of the mature common puffball and all other mature puffballs, should not be inhaled due to the direct relation of its spores with the respiratory disease called Lycoperdonosis.

Is Common puffball Toxic to Dogs?

Consuming common puffball or breathing in its spores can cause Lycoperdonisis in dogs and may even be fatal. Immediate medical attention should be sought if you believe your dog has inhaled these spores. Lycoperdonisis is a pneumonia-like condition that leads to acute lung inflammation. Symptoms include fever, difficulty breathing, and fluid in the bronchial tubes. While it is thought that not all dogs are susceptible to this poisoning it is wise to err on the side of caution.

Edibility of Common puffball

Common puffball is reported to be edible, but only when it is young and pure-white. It is no longer edible once it begins to yellow or produce olive-green spores. Make sure the cap is still soft to the touch and that there is no sign of immature gills or a stem. Edible puffballs will feel marshmallow-like.

Similar Species to Common puffball

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Plateful of pyramids lepidella

Similar Species

Common puffball

Confusing Aspects of Plateful of pyramids lepidella and Common puffball?

Young specimens of Common puffball and Plateful of pyramids lepidella appear similar with rounded, whitish fruiting bodies.

How to Differentiate Between Plateful of pyramids lepidella and Common puffball?

Common puffball: The stem is roughly shaped like an upside-down cone, frequently exhibiting some distorted.

Plateful of pyramids lepidella: The base of this mushroom is usually bulbous and relatively large, often featuring a series of concentric rings or 'scales' on the bulb.

Tips for Finding Common puffball

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When is the Best Time to Find Common puffball

Seek common puffball in late summer to fall when the weather starts to cool. Post-rain, when the ground is damp and the air is moist, is an ideal time to find these mushrooms.

What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Common puffball

Rich, well-drained, and often with leaf or wood debris.

What are Some Tips for Finding Common puffball

Inspect areas beneath hardwoods and conifers, as common puffball often resides there.
Look for common puffball along roadsides or urban green spaces where trees are present.
Search for common puffball within accumulated leaf litter on the ground.
Investigate both solitary specimens and groups, as common puffball can grow clustered or scattered.

How to Clean and Preserve Common puffball

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How to Clean Common puffball

To clean common puffball, gently brush off the dirt and debris. Do not wash with water, as they absorb moisture. Check the integrity to ensure they haven't begun to spore inside.

Tips on Freezing Preservation of Common puffball

Freezing Methods

Blanching Before Freezing

Freezing Duration

10 - 12 months

Blanching before freezing: Enhances enzyme inactivation, preserving texture and color.

Tips on Refrigeration Preservation of Common puffball

Refrigerating Methods

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

Temperature

2 - 4 ℃

Refrigerating Humidity

85 - 95 %

Refrigerating Duration

5 - 7 days

Paper Bag Storage: Store in paper bags to absorb excess moisture and allow air circulation, preventing spoilage.

Perforated Plastic Bag Storage: Use perforated bags for a balance of humidity and airflow, reducing moisture buildup.

Container with Absorbent Lining: Place mushrooms in a container lined with a clean, dry towel to wick away moisture.

Cardboard Box Storage: Store in shallow cardboard boxes to provide a dry environment and reduce condensation.

Common Questions People Also Ask

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Is common puffball allergic?

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Lycoperdon pyriforme

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Lycoperdon echinatum

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