Page author: Wynn Tranfield
Lycoperdon pyriforme
pear puffball, pear-shaped puffball, stump puffball
Specimens
Photos

Distribution: Broad.

Conservation Status: Not of concern

Description:
Identification Notes:

Lycoperdon pyriforme is one of the more common puffballs in our area. It often produces clusters of many fruitbodies on rotting or buried wood to which it is connected by distinct white strands. The species name pyriforme refers to its pear-shaped fruitbodies the surface of which initially is covered by small granules, warts, scales, or blunt spines that eventually wear away. The color of the surface is white to ochraceous then brownish and often it develops shallow cracks as the puffball enlarges. The flesh of the sterile base presents a key feature for identifying L. pyriforme; it remains white at maturity unlike that of other lycoperdons.

Accepted Name:
Lycoperdon pyriforme Schäff.

Synonyms & Misapplications:
(none provided)
Additional Resources:

PNW Herbaria: Specimen records of Lycoperdon pyriforme in the Consortium of Pacific Northwest Herbaria database

CalPhotos: Lycoperdon pyriforme photos

5 photographs:
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