Fairy Ring Champignon Marasmius oreades
Widespread through Norfolk, this is just one of the fungi which grows in rings on lawns. It has a buff colour and well separated gills and an overall firm texture.
Conservation status in Norfolk
How to help
Do not put fertilizer of any kind on the lawn and enjoy the magic of your fairy rings. Record the diameter of the ring in successive years – it should increase.
Tony Leech
Information on the Fairy Ring Champignon
How to recognise
The fairy ring champignon is one of the fungi which grow in rings (or arcs) on lawns. It has a buff colour throughout, slightly darker when wet, with a 3-5cm diameter cap and is usually 4–7cm high. The gills are quite well separated and the whole fungus has a ‘firm’ texture.
Where to see
The fairy ring champignon is widespread in Norfolk and throughout Britain. It occurs on mown or grazed grassland so you are more likely to see it in your garden than on a nature reserve.
When to see
They can be seen In late summer through to autumn.
Did you know?
Fairy rings are caused by the fungus growing outwards through the soil from its origin and releasing minerals, from the humus it consumes, which cause the grass to grow more luxuriantly. As the humus is consumed, the mycelium dies off in the centre and grows outwards, expanding the ring. In the autumn toadstools appear in association with the actively-growing mycelium.
Related questions
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