Dusky Puffball - Lycoperdon nigrescens

When mature, Lycoperdon nigrescens is normally brown to dark brown and has a strong smell. It differs from other puffballs in having tiny spikes on the surface which are tipped with fine hooks. The spines may eventually fall off leaving a net-like pattern on the surface.

Grows on the ground in various habitats such as acidic woodland, heath, sand dunes and moorland.

Summer and Autumn

Grows either singly or in groups

Widespread and fairly common in Britain.

Fairly common in Leicestershire and Rutland.