[2] Like the giant puffball, it grows on composted soil such as in meadows, fields, and forests,[citation needed] as well as on roadsides, sagebrush flats, pastures, and other sunny places.

Smaller western giant puffballs usually clump of the epididymal covering of the parent.

[citation needed] The western giant puffball is edible[3] when completely white inside.

[citation needed] It is good cubed and cooked in soup, breaded and deep-fried,[2] steamed, sauteed, or simmered like other mushrooms.

[citation needed] With the texture of tofu[2] or marshmallows it is similar to the giant puffball.