About Lycoperdon pratense Pers.
Lycoperdon pratense Pers., commonly called the meadow puffball, is a puffball mushroom species that belongs to the genus Lycoperdon. In early developmental stages, this species has scruffy outer skin, unlike the larger related species which have smooth skin. Mature specimens grow to 4 centimetres (1+1⁄2 inches) wide and 5 centimetres (2 inches) tall. Its stump-shaped stem distinguishes it from the giant puffball. This species can be found in Great Britain and Ireland (including the Outer Hebrides), mainland Europe, and occasionally in North America. It grows commonly in sand dune systems, where it can be abundant in dune slacks, and also grows in grasslands and lawns, matching its common name "meadow puffball". Young fruit bodies of Lycoperdon pratense are edible when cooked.
