BASIDIOMYCETES: Lycoperdales, Lycoperdaceae

Sculptured Puffball, Calbovista subsculpta

Basidiomycetes, order: Lycoperdales, family: Lycoperdaceae

Width to 6"

The Sculptured Puffball is shaped like a ball or an inverted pear, whitish or pale brown, with a surface broken into irregular, angular raised scales with a center containing small hairs. The base is stubby and connects to the ground via mycellial filaments. Spore print is white when young, turning yellowish or greenish-brown with age. It is found at high elevations of the Pacific mountains and the Rocky Mountains in coniferous woodlands or grassy areas during the spring, summer, and fall. Edible when it is young and the spores are white. Also known as the Warted Giant Puffball.