The onion earthball is a member of the "tough-skinned puffball" family, a group of mushrooms that are typically bulbous and puff-ball like in form but have a tough outer layer. In the onion earthball's case, that outer layer often fissures, giving the mushroom a cracked appearance. Also distinctive is the stark contrast between this mushroom's skin, usually a pale white or yellow color, and its inner spore tissue, which is nearly black. Onion earthballs are poisonous.
Odor:
Sharp, spicy, almost chemical.
In This Article
Attributes
Toxicity and Edibility
Similar Species
Tips for Finding
Clean and Preserve
Common Questions
General Info About Onion earthball
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Attributes of Onion earthball
Stem Shapes
Rooting
Flesh
Discolours when cut, bruised or damaged
Ring
Ringless
Spore Print Color
Purple-black
Odor
Sharp, spicy, almost chemical.
Body Color
Brown
Red
White
Pink
Cream
Flesh Bruises
The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.
The onion earthball can be found in woods and in damp, disturbed areas such as gardens, lawns, roadsides, paths, and under a variety of ornamental trees. It grows in the soil where the grass is sparse.
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Is Onion earthball Toxic?
The probability of mixing up the onion earthball (Scleroderma cepa) with desirable Puffballs makes this unassuming bulbous mushroom of the forest floor deceptively dangerous. It can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea when consumed. Only those very familiar with mushroom identification should attempt positively identifying any Puffball.
Similar Species to Onion earthball
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Tips for Finding Onion earthball
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What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Onion earthball
Prefers well-watered, fertile soils.
What are Some Tips for Finding Onion earthball
Inspect open grasslands, especially areas that receive regular watering.
Search garden spaces, particularly around the edges and in mulched beds.
Look along natural or manmade paths where the soil may be disturbed.
Examine the base of different tree types, focusing on areas with less dense vegetation.
Check for small groupings of onion earthball, they tend not to grow in isolation.
How to Clean and Preserve Onion earthball
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Common Questions People Also Ask
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