(Common Puffball)

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Lycoperdon perlatum, Lower Cataract Lake, Summit Co. 4616

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Lycoperdon perlatum, Lower Cataract Lake, Summit Co. 4620

Scientific Name Lycoperdon perlatum
Common Name Common Puffball, Gem-studded Puffball
Family Agaricaceae
Description Found in fields, gardens, along roadsides amd in grassy clearings in woods. Medium-sized puffball with a round fruit body tapering to a wide stalk; 1-1/8 to 3-7/8 in inches tall and 5/8 to 2-3/8 inches wide; off-white with a top covered in short spiny bumps or "jewels", which are easily rubbed off to leave a netlike pattern on the surface; becoming brown when mature with a hole in the top that opens to release spores.
Description from Wikipedia.
Colorado Status Native

© Tom Lebsack 2024

Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains