Pigskin Earthball
Scleroderma citrinum
Also called: Pigskin Earthball, Common Earthball, Poison Puffball
Overview
Mycorrhizal with oak and birch — commonly mis-classified as saprotrophic. Resembles a puffball but the interior is dark purple-black, not white. Poisonous.
Edibility
Toxic
Rarity
common
Trophic mode
mycorrhizal
Typical peak
Aug–Sep
Season
Jul–Oct — typical fruiting months: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.
Host trees & substrate
- Living oak
- Living birch
Where it grows
See live fruiting predictions for Pigskin 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.