giant puffball

fungus

Also known as: Calvatia gigantea

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Last updated

June 29, 2026

Quick Summary

The giant puffball (Calvatia gigantea) is a type of fungus belonging to the phylum Basidiomycota. These fungi produce spores internally within a spherical fruiting body. When the mature fruiting body becomes dry and powdery, it releases puffs of spores when disturbed.1

The giant puffball is known for its impressive size, with fruiting bodies that can reach up to 120 cm (4 feet) in diameter and contain trillions of spores. It is edible when young and white inside, and it is typically found in late summer on moist soil or humus in North America. In 2024, the giant puffball was designated the official state mushroom of Illinois.12

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basidiocarp
The largest basidiocarps include giant puffballs (Calvatia gigantea), which can be 1.6 m (5.25 feet) long, 1.35 m broad, and 24 cm (9.5 inches) high, and those of bracket fungi (Polyporus squamosus)—2 m in diameter. The smallest are single cells of the yeastlike Sporobolomyces.
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The largest basidiocarps include giant puffballs (Calvatia gigantea), which can be 1.6 m (5.25 feet) long, 1.35 m broad, and 24 cm (9.5 inches) high, and those of bracket fungi (Polyporus squamosus)—2 m in diameter. The smallest are single cells of the yeastlike Sporobolomyces.
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Lycoperdaceae
The giant puffball (C. gigantea), edible while young and white inside, is found in late summer on wet humus or soil. The fruiting body may be as large as 120 cm (4 feet) across and contain 10¹³ spores.
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The giant puffball (C. gigantea), edible while young and white inside, is found in late summer on wet humus or soil. The fruiting body may be as large as 120 cm (4 feet) across and contain 10¹³ spores.
Read More