Nordic mushrooms – get to know the species
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Scaly puffball

Scaly puffball

Lycoperdon perlatum
Edible mushroom
★★☆☆☆
Taste rating: 2 out of 5

How to identify it

Cap
Pear-shaped fruiting body, white when young and later olive-brown. The surface has small conical spines that fall off easily.
Underside
No gill or tube underside; it is a closed puffball. As it matures, a spore mass develops.
Stem
Tapers towards the base.
Smell
No distinct smell is given as a key characteristic.

Occurrence and habitat

Grows on the ground in deciduous and coniferous forest and sometimes on decaying wood.

Preparation

Use only young, firm specimens whose interior is still completely white. Cut away the dirty base and fry or use in a stew. When the interior begins to turn yellow, brown or soft, leave the mushroom.

Recipe suggestions

Butter-fried scaly puffball

Use only young specimens with completely white flesh inside. Slice and fry in butter until the slices are browned. Season with salt and pepper and serve as a side with potatoes or on toast.

Images – study the mushroom from several angles

Click an image to display it as the main image.

⚠ Important safety information

Ätlig endast som ung när innanmätet är helt vitt och fast. När sporerna utvecklas blir den brun och ska inte användas som matsvamp.

Facts and sources

Sources
Svampguiden; SLU Artdatabanken / Artfakta as an ongoing reference source
Factual text compiled and checked 2026-09-27