BASIDIOMYCETES: Lycoperdales, Geastraceae

Earthstar, Geastrum triplex or Geastrum indicum

Basidiomycetes, order: Lycoperdales, family: Geastraceae

Width to 4"

The Earthstar is a pale brownish, bulbous fruiting mass whose outer wall splits apart, forming four to eight raylike arms, sometimes cracking, that resemble a kind of flower. The central, spore-containing sac is grayish to pale brownish-red, pointed at the top, and rests on a saucerlike base. Spore print is brown. The mushroom grows near leaf litter or humus under trees in mixed deciduous woodlands throughout North America during the late summer or fall. Not edible. Also known as the Collared Earthstar.