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 · Very low
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
Spore-producing organisms reproduce by releasing small, often single-celled, reproductive units called spores.
Decomposer
Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Spiky/Thorny
Possessing sharp, pointed projections or spines on the body or surface.
Also known as
Puffball Mushroom
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
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
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