⚠ If you suspect ingestion of this species, call Poison Control immediately:
1-800-222-1222 (US) · poison.org

Earthball (toxic puffball)

Scleroderma citrinum

⚠ Moderately Toxic

Call Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

Cap color: brown,tan,yellow
Cap size: medium
Gill color: none
Gill attachment: none
Stem: No true stem; attached to soil at base; exterior corky and cracked
Texture: scaly
Habitat: forest floor
Fruiting season: summer,fall
Peak season: Summer–Fall

Key Identification Features

Firm round puffball with thick tough skin, interior dark purple-black to purplish-gray (never pure white), warty yellowish-brown skin, no stalk

Symptoms & Toxicity

GI distress, nausea, vomiting. Not typically fatal but causes illness.

Regions Found

Northeast

Look-Alikes

No documented look-alikes on record.

Safety disclaimer: This page is for educational purposes only. Never eat a wild mushroom based solely on online information. Always verify identification using multiple reliable field guides and, when possible, consult an experienced forager or mycologist. When in doubt, don't eat it. Spore & Scout accepts no responsibility for identification errors or adverse reactions. If you believe someone has ingested a toxic mushroom, call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) immediately.