Synonyms: Bovista ericetorum, Globaria pusilla, Lycoperdon polymorphum, Lycoperdon pusillum, Pseudolycoperdon pusillum.
Common name: least puffball.
Bovista pusilla is a small to medium-sized puffball fungus that grows up to 4 cm in diameter. It has a rounded to pear-shaped base and a short, stout stalk. The outer surface is smooth, white to cream-colored, and often covered with tiny, fine hairs. The inner spore mass is olive-brown to dark brown. In East and Central Texas, Bovista pusilla typically fruits from spring to fall in fields, meadows, and open woods, often in areas with rich soil and abundant grasses. It can be found growing alone or in small groups, sometimes in association with herbaceous plants or at the base of trees.
Small puffball mushrooms Bovista pusilla on a field in Bee Creek Park. College Station, Texas, April 12, 2020
Bee Creek, College Station, TX 77840, USA
Least puffball mushrooms (Bovista pusilla) on a mowed path in prairie area in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, August 4, 2020Yaupon Loop, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Cross section of least puffball mushrooms (Bovista pusilla) on a mowed path in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, August 4, 2020Yaupon Loop, College Station, TX 77845, USAObservations of Bovista pusilla in East and Central Texas revealed its presence in various environments. On April 12, 2020, small puffball mushrooms were found on a field in Bee Creek Park, College Station. Later, on August 4, 2020, the fungus was spotted on a mowed path in a prairie area of Lick Creek Park, also in College Station. The mushrooms were observed to be small, characteristic of the species. A cross-section of the fungi revealed their internal structure, typical of Bovista pusilla. These sightings suggest that the species can thrive in open areas with grasses and can tolerate mowing, as they were found on a mowed path. The observations span different times of the year, indicating the fungus may have a relatively long fruiting period in East and Central Texas.
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