A massive white spherical mushroom that can exceed 20 inches across and weigh 50 pounds. Edible when young (interior pure white); inedible and gray-brown when mature, releasing trillions of spores.

Native status: Native; widespread in northern hemisphere

§ Quick facts

SizeDiameter 20–80 cm typically; rare specimens to 150 cm
Weight1–10 kg typically; rare specimens to 25 kg
LifespanFruiting body 2–4 weeks
OrderAgaricales
FamilyLycoperdaceae

§ Encyclopedia

Calvatia gigantea, commonly known in English as the giant puffball, is a puffball mushroom found in meadows, fields, and deciduous forests in late summer and autumn. It is found in temperate areas throughout the world. It is edible when young.

Source: Wikipedia — Calvatia gigantea Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Massive white-to-cream spherical mushroom with smooth or finely cracked surface; pure white internal flesh when young; eventually splits to release olive-brown spore dust.

Similar species. Smaller puffball species (different sizes). Earthballs (Scleroderma — toxic; smaller, hard outer skin). Young Amanita species (cut open to verify — Amanitas show developing mushroom structure inside).

Voice. N/A

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Saprotrophic — decomposes organic matter in meadows, pastures, fields, open woodlands.

Behavior. Among the largest fungi in North America. Edible when young and pure white inside; becomes inedible (greenish to brown internal mass) as spores mature. A single mature giant puffball can release 7+ trillion spores — if all germinated and grew, the resulting puffballs would weigh more than the Earth. Typically fruits late summer through fall after heavy rains in nutrient-rich open habitats.

§ Range

Across temperate North America

§ Habitat

Open fields, meadows, woodland edges

§ Threats

Meadow and field loss to development and row crops, soil disturbance.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the giant puffball is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Maintain field and meadow corners. Leave mature puffballs to spore. Mow less frequently.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • North American Mycological Association
  • Mycological Society of America
  • USDA Forest Service