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Edibility
Inedible
Lookalike Danger
1 / 5
Habitat
🍂 Duff, leaf litter
Season
Aug – Nov
"A puffball that splits open into a star. Not for eating — for finding. Children's favorite."
This species is found with or partners with the following hosts. Ectomycorrhizal hosts (green border) form a root-level partnership; ericoid / arbutoid shrubs (purple border) share the same mycorrhizal networks.

Decomposing leaf and needle litter on the forest floor — substrate for blewit, aniseed funnel, earthstar, and many coral mushrooms.
Small puffball that splits open at maturity into a star-shaped base with a central spore sack. Various Geastrum species across temperate regions. Not eaten — harvested for display or photography.
Duff, leaf litter, and pine needle carpets across temperate regions. Fall.
Min Soil Temp
55°F
Moisture Need
rain 0.5in 7d
Drought Tolerance
moderate
Elevation Range
0–4,784 ft
None harmful.
Duff, leaf litter
Photograph it and log your observation on iNaturalist. The community can help confirm your ID — always get confirmation before eating.