Key Identification Features
- Distinctive white puffball (10–25 cm) covered in large pyramidal warts and ridges giving a deeply sculptured appearance
- flesh pure white inside when young and edible
- grows on ground in mountain meadows and mixed conifer forests. Pacific Coast ranges from central CA north. Only eat when interior flesh is pure white throughout — yellow/purple interior indicates spore maturity (toxic stage).
Preparation Notes
Slice open to verify pure white interior before eating. Sauté in butter, bread and fry, or add to soups. Distinctive appearance makes ID straightforward when warts are present.
Regions Found
Region data not available
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.