It is the most common species of earthball fungus in the UK and occurs widely in woods, heathland and in short grass from autumn to winter.

[4] Earthballs are superficially similar to, and considered look-alikes of, the edible puffball (particularly Apioperdon pyriforme), but whereas the puffball has a single opening on top through which the spores are dispersed, the earthball just breaks up to release the spores.

Moreover, Scleroderma citrinum has much firmer flesh and a dark gleba (interior) much earlier in development than puffballs.

The peridium, or outer wall, is thick and firm, usually ochre yellow externally with irregular warts.

Some individuals may experience lacrimation, rhinitis and rhinorrhea, and conjunctivitis from exposure to its spores.