MushieCommon puffball (Lycoperdon perlatum)
Edible with caution
The common puffball is a small white ball or pear shape covered in tiny spines. It can only be considered when pure white inside because young death caps look similar as "eggs".
| Scientific name | Lycoperdon perlatum |
|---|---|
| Other names | Flaschenstäubling · Vesse-de-loup perlée · Vescia comune |
| Family | Agaricaceae |
| Season | Jul – Nov |
| Habitat | Woodland floor, grass and heath |
| Range | Worldwide in temperate regions |
| Spore print | Olive-brown |
| Smell | Mild, fresh mushroom |
How to identify Common puffball
| Cap | White to cream, 2–6 cm tall, covered in small cone-shaped spines that rub off leaving a net pattern |
|---|---|
| Underside | No gills |
| Stem | Short, stalk-like base that is part of the ball |
| Smell | Mild, fresh mushroom |
| Spore print | Olive-brown |
Is Common puffball edible or poisonous?
Edible with caution. Edible only while young and pure white inside. Any outline of a mushroom inside, or yellow, olive or purple flesh, means do not eat.
Common puffball look-alikes
Young Amanita "eggs" (including the death cap) contain a mushroom outline inside. Earthballs have a firm, thick skin and dark interior.
When does Common puffball grow?
Common puffball is typically found Jul – Nov in woodland floor, grass and heath. See other mushrooms in season:
Frequently asked questions
Is Common puffball edible?
Common puffball (Lycoperdon perlatum) is regarded as edible only with caution. Edible only while young and pure white inside. Any outline of a mushroom inside, or yellow, olive or purple flesh, means do not eat. Never eat a wild mushroom based on an app or a website. Confirm identification and edibility in person with a qualified local expert.
What does Common puffball look like?
White to cream, 2–6 cm tall, covered in small cone-shaped spines that rub off leaving a net pattern. Underside: no gills. Stem: short, stalk-like base that is part of the ball.
What are the look-alikes of Common puffball?
The main look-alike is Death cap (Amanita phalloides). Young Amanita "eggs" (including the death cap) contain a mushroom outline inside. Earthballs have a firm, thick skin and dark interior.
When and where does Common puffball grow?
Common puffball is usually found from Jul to Nov. Habitat: woodland floor, grass and heath. Range: Worldwide in temperate regions.
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Related species
Sources and credits: written from standard field-guide references. Further reading: Wikipedia: Lycoperdon perlatum. Last updated 2026-10-22. Editorial policy.