| Calvatia cyathiformis |
| The Purple-spored Puffball |
| The sterile base of Calvatia cyathiformis often winters and becomes vase-shaped, sometimes retaining spores. Note purple spore mass. |
INDIANA MUSHROOMS
| When found solid and pure white within, this is an excellent edible mushroom. Prepare as you would the giant puffball. |
| Spores (3.5-7.5 µ; round, spiny) of Calvatia cyathiformis. |
| This mushroom appears in late summer and early fall after hard rains. Can be found in woodland settings and urban areas. Grows in grassy areas like pastures and unfertilized lawns. School yards and parks are good places to look. Often found in the same habitat as Agaricus campestris, the meadow mushroom. |
| The outer surface (peridium) develops a patchwork mosaic pattern as it matures. Can also have a curious stem-like base, usually bulbous and sterile (doesn't produce spores). |
| Horse pasture. |
| School yard. |
| The bulbous base and mosaic pattern on top separate this species from Calvatia craniiformis, which has a tapering base and lacks the mosaic patterns. Spore color of mature specimens also distinguishes the two. |
