Fairy Ring Mushroom

Marasmius oreades

Also known as: Scotch Bonnet

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Edibility edible

Phylum Basidiomycota

Family Marasmiaceae

Conservation Least Concern; common in lawns and meadows

Complete Taxonomy

Kingdom: Fungi

Phylum: Basidiomycota

Class: Agaricomycetes

Order: Agaricales

Family: Marasmiaceae

Genus: Marasmius

Species: M. oreades

Description

Marasmius oreades, the fairy ring mushroom, is a small edible species famous for growing in circular patterns (fairy rings) in lawns and grasslands. These rings can expand outward for decades, sometimes reaching impressive diameters. The mushroom has a tough, flexible stem and cap that revives after rain. It's edible and flavorful but must be carefully distinguished from poisonous lookalikes.

Physical Characteristics

Cap Shape: Bell-shaped becoming broadly convex with central bump (umbo)

Cap Color: Tan to pale brown, hygrophanous (color changes with moisture); 1-5 cm diameter

Size: 1-5 cm diameter

Gill Attachment: Free or barely attached, broad, widely spaced, cream

Spore Print: White to pale cream

Stipe: Tough, wiry, pliant, hollow, same color as cap; 3-8 cm tall

Habitat: Saprotroph in lawns, meadows, and grassy areas

Fruiting Season: Spring through fall, especially after rain

Distribution

Worldwide in temperate regions

Habitat

Saprotroph in lawns, golf courses, meadows, and other short grasslands. Decomposes organic matter in soil.

Ecological Role

Decomposes thatch and organic matter in grasslands. Fairy rings spread outward as inner mycelium depletes nutrients. Can persist for decades, with some rings centuries old.

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Has poisonous lookalikes including Clitocybe species. Careful identification essential. Stems are tough and usually discarded.

Medicinal & Nutritional Properties

Source of dietary fiber
Contains B vitamins
Low in calories
Pleasant nutty flavor

Cultural Significance

Associated with folklore about fairies dancing in circles. Fairy rings considered magical or dangerous in European folklore. Edible when properly identified. Can be dried and stored. Rings can reach meters in diameter over time.

Fascinating Facts

Forms fairy rings that expand outward annually
Some fairy rings are over 600 years old
Can revive from dried state when wetted
Stem is too tough to eat
Folklore: fairies danced in circles, mushrooms marking the path
Rings grow 10-30 cm outward per year
Grass inside ring often darker green from released nutrients
Must distinguish carefully from poisonous Clitocybe dealbata