Earth Star

Description:

The name of this mushroom comes from the star shape of the outer covering. The inner portion of the mushroom is a spore container and when the mushroom is ready, the inner portion pops open to release the many tiny spores contained inside. One unique characteristics of earth stars is that when it becomes wet, the outer surface bursts open in the star shape. When it dries out, the earth star slowly closes to its original shape. The species Astreasus can repeat this process over and over but the Geastrum species can only open once and stays open.

Habitat:

This type of mushroom likes to grow in shady habitats and under coniferous trees.

Notes:

I found these specimens in Colonial Williamsburg. Elizabeth Green