Purple-spored Puffball Calvatia cyathiformis (Bosc) Morgan Purple-spored Puffball. Fruit body 5-16cm across, 5-11 (15)cm high, hemispherical with a rudimentary stem, forcing up through turf; pallid to dirty tan or brownish with age; smooth at first, then soon cracking into smaller areas to give a tesselated effect; breaking up to reveal spore mass (gleba) in a persistent cuplike base. Spore mass of cottony consistency; white at first, then soon deep lilac to dark purple-brown. Spores globose, with distinct spines, 3.5-7.5 x 3.5-7.5µ. Habitat in open fields and lawns. Common. Found widespread in eastern North America and the Great Plains. Season July-November. Edible when young; good. Comment The large violet-brown cuplike base left after the spores are dispersed can often be found through the winter.