This is one of the common small edible puffballs, called the 'Gemmed Puffball', or Lycoperdon perlatum. Members of this species are somwhat pear-shaped, have an opening that forms as it matures at the top for releasing spores, and an outer layer of tiny spines that usually fall off leaving marks on the skin (peridium). The spore mass within is initially white and firm, and the fungus is edible only at this early stage. As puffballs age, however, the spore mass becomes softer and more powdery, changing color to yellow, olive-brown and then dark brown. Once fully mature, the apical pore at the top ruptures and spores are released and spread by the pressure of raindrops and wind.

Lycoperdon perlatum grows on the forest floor. Another common puffball is Lycoperdon pyriforme. It grows on wood.