Giant Mushroom Suddenly Appears In Capital Region Yard; Have You Seen One?

Just last week I spotted, what I would describe as, a huge mushroom in my yard. This sucker is so big that I had to go outside and walk up to the fungus to see if that i actually what I was looking at. Turns out it is!

The mushroom I identified outside our kitchen window looks similar to a chef's hat, you know, kinda like the one the Pillsbury Doughboy wears? I have lived in the same home for 6 years and have not laid eyes upon anything like this before. What the heck is it?

Karolyi - Townsquare Media

My stepdaughter felt certain that this is a Calvatia craniiformis, also know as the Brain Puffball. The skull-shaped puffball is common in New York puffball and features a similar shape and structure. I think she was close.

The most likely answer to which type of mushroom this is would be the Agaricus augustus, also known as the Prince Mushroom, known for growing during the fall in New York State, especially under trees or along woodland edges. That is exactly where I located mine.

Karolyi - Townsquare Media

In approximately 1 week the shape of this mushroom had changed dramatically. On first detection the mushroom was in a rounded button stage. With a rainy week, the mushroom aged quickly and the cap started to expand outward.

Read more: Take In New York Fall Foliage On These Cool Rail Bikes In Hudson Valley and Adirondacks

Karolyi - Townsquare Media

That is the exact same mushroom. What a transformation. Word of caution, You should absolutely not consume this mushroom as we are not 100% certain of it's exact species. Eating it could carry severe health risks.

Disclaimer: This information is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute definitive biological or medical advice. Never ingest any wild mushroom without absolute, in-person verification from a professional mycologist.