Emerging in autumn, this puffball is common and abundant on decaying logs of both deciduous and coniferous wood.

[4] In 2001, DNA evidence compiled by Dirk Krüger and a number of other mycologists suggested that the genus Lycoperdon was polyphyletic, with the pear-shaped puffball differing most significantly from the group.

A 2003 publication of further research moved the puffball to the genus Morganella with the specific epithet's ending changed for agreement.

[5] In 2008, however, Larsson and Jeppson revisited the phylogeny of the Lycoperdaceae, with a broader sampling of species, and retained the taxon in Lycoperdon.

The fruit body of the pear-shaped puffball measures up to 3 centimetres (1+1⁄4 in) wide and 6 cm (2+1⁄4 in) tall.