Leopard Earthball
Scleroderma areolatum
Family: Sclerodermataceae
Also called: Leopard Earthball, Spotted Earthball
Overview
Smaller leopard-spotted earthball. Same toxicity profile as S. citrinum — GI distress; skip.
Edibility
Toxic
Rarity
common
Trophic mode
mycorrhizal
Typical peak
Sep–Oct
Season
Sep–Nov — typical fruiting months: Aug, Sep, Oct.
Host trees & substrate
- Mycorrhizal with oak
- Mycorrhizal with beech
- Mycorrhizal with hemlock
Where it grows
See live fruiting predictions for Leopard Earthball on the forecast home page, or browse the full field guide.
Always confirm wild-mushroom identification with multiple sources and a knowledgeable local expert before consuming. Read the foraging safety guide.