·        All are round to oval, pear- to turban-shaped, or irregularly rounded at some point in development

·        Earthstars – nearly round at first, splitting open at maturity, forming star-like rays

·        Earthballs – have a thick, hard, rind-like spore case

·        Stalked puffballs – papery thin spore case, distinct stalk or stalk-like base, partially to totally buried

·        Puffballs – thin spore case, often coated with spines and warts, white spore mass when young

·        Found on the ground or decaying wood