Shaped like a miniature, dull version of the tropical Asian Rafflesia, we always enjoy finding earthstars in the summer woodland garden. Geastrum saccatum, or rounded earthstar, grows on decomposing organic debris, spending most of its life underground. The fruiting structures below, only appear above ground in our region from July thru September. The eye-like structures in the center hold the spores, which will soon be spread by splashing water and wind. Earthstars are both harmless and non-toxic. While they are consumable, most folks don’t find them edible…unless you like chewing on paper towels.
Earthstars are always exciting to find. I am sending a photo of a group I recently found in Norwalk, CT. Do you see a “fairy ring” growth pattern, or am I just imagining that? Thanks for your expert opinion!
We haven’t seen a fairy wing distribution pattern here, but that would be dependant on what’s decaying underground.
Thank you !