Western Giant Puffball (Calvatia booniana) may be almost 2 feet across at the widest point, although it is usually smaller. It may be roughly spherical, but more often is flattened and irregular. The surface is dry, smooth, and whitish at first, turning grayish and breaking up into large polygonal patches that may be flat or slightly raised. Eventually the surface becomes tan to brownish, splitting to release the powdery olive-brown spores. Western Giant Puffball is found in montane meadows or in high desert areas under sagebrush and juniper. Individual specimens are scattered but often grow in a large fairy ring.

Sculptured Puffball (Calbovista subsculpta) is much smaller, typically 5 inches across or less. It is generally more spherical but may be softly folded towards the base. The surface is whitish to pale yellowish-brown and covered with 3- to 6-sided projecting pyramid-shaped warts that are up to 1⁄4-inch tall and may be flat-topped or pointed; the tops of the pyramids are generally darker than the rest of the skin. With age, the surface becomes olive-brown and splits open to release the powdery purplish-brown spores. It is found at mid- to high-elevation zones where it fruits singly—scattered or in small clusters in open conifer woods, forest edges, or areas with rocky soil, including paths and dirt roads.