Gem-studded Puffball - Lycoperdon perlatum

This type of puffball is shaped like an inverted pear with a prominent stem/stalk and a round top. They are covered with brown spines when young. At maturity, they develop a central perforation through which spores are released by rain and wind. The interior is completely white and homogenous, although the inside of this one was turning mushy and brown.

Lycoperdon perlatum is a good edible mushroom when young (when the gleba is homogeneous and all white). However, foragers must be careful not to confuse puffballs with young Amanitas, which are enclosed by a universal veil. But, a longitudinal section of a young Amanita will reveal the immature gills, which never occur in puffballs.