Species details
Beaked earthstar
Geastrum pectinatum
Inedible
Photo: Lukas from London, England · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Photo source · License
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Description
An earthstar with a raised greyish spore sac on a short stalk and a distinctly comb-like, grooved opening.
Identification features
The outer layer opens into several rays that raise the central grey-brown spore sac. It has a short neck or stalk and a characteristically longitudinally grooved opening.
Identification checklist
Check the raised spore sac on a short stalk and the strongly longitudinally ridged opening.
How to separate similar species
Geastrum striatum has a characteristic collar at the base of the spore sac; details of the opening and stalk are important.
Habitat
Grows in coniferous and mixed woodland, often among needles and moss, mainly in late summer and autumn.
Fruiting period
August, September, October, November