Spiny Puffball
ExploreFungi
Spiny Puffball
Lycoperdon
Spiny Puffball is a spiky-looking fungus that grows on the ground! It can be found in forests and meadows.
Habitat: Forests and meadows
Appearance
The Spiny Puffball is a small, spherical to pear-shaped fungus, typically white to cream colored when young. It is uniquely covered in soft, cone-shaped spines that detach easily, giving it the appearance of a tiny, spiky ball.
KingdomFungiPhylumBasidiomycotaClassAgaricomycetesOrderAgaricalesFamilyLycoperdaceaeGenusLycoperdon
Category
FungiRarity
Common
Danger
1/5
Snaps
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Interesting facts
A single puffball can release trillions of microscopic spores from its body!
Its name comes from the way it "puffs" out spores when squeezed!
When old, its spines fall off, leaving a net-like pattern on its surface!
Young Spiny Puffballs are said to be delicious if they are pure white inside!
Special abilities
Ability
Spore Cloud Release
Spiny Puffball can release a cloud of millions of spores when mature, because that helps them spread their offspring far and wide.
Ability
Nature's Recycler
Spiny Puffball has special enzymes that help them break down dead wood and leaves, because that helps them recycle nutrients.
Ability
Detachable Defense
Spiny Puffball has soft, detachable spines that help protect its delicate body when young, deterring small nibblers.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 2-8 cm
- Edibility
- edible
- Growth Substrate
- soil
- Season
- Summer to fall
- Spore Color
- Olive-brown
Ecological connections
eaten by
Leopard Slug
Limax maximus
Slugs and snails often feed on young puffballs.
eaten by
Eastern Gray Squirrel
Sciurus carolinensis
Squirrels occasionally dig up and nibble on puffballs.
depends on
Red Maple
Acer rubrum
Spiny Puffball breaks down fallen leaves and wood from maples.
Traits
Spore Producing
Discover how some plants and fungi create tiny little "seeds" called spores to help them grow new life! These tiny particles drift in the air, spreading new generations far and wide.
Decomposer
Meet the cleanup crew of nature! These vital organisms help break down dead things, returning nutrients to the soil and keeping our ecosystems healthy.
Forest
These lush habitats are filled with countless trees, offering homes to a huge variety of plants and animals! Immerse yourself in the green canopy.
Spiky/Thorny
Find creatures and plants covered in sharp points, which help keep them safe or catch a meal!
Also known as
Puffball Mushroom
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5
Do not pick or eat anything you find. Some plants and mushrooms can be harmful.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Spiny Puffball?
2-8 cm
Is Spiny Puffball edible?
edible
Where is Spiny Puffball usually found?
Forests and meadows
What does Spiny Puffball grow on?
soil
When is Spiny Puffball in season?
Summer to fall
What color are Spiny Puffball spores?
Olive-brown
Snap Map
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