Species details
Rosy earthstar
Geastrum rufescens
Inedible
Photo: Walt Sturgeon (Mycowalt) · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Photo source · License
Description
A larger earthstar with thick rays that change from pale flesh-pink to reddish-brown and often crack transversely.
Identification features
The opened fruitbody is about 4–8 cm or wider. The outer layer splits into 6–9 thick rays, while the grey-brown spore sac is very shortly stalked.
Identification checklist
Check the large fleshy rays that redden or brown and frequently crack across.
How to separate similar species
Geastrum fimbriatum is smaller, with paler ochre rays that usually do not crack across. G. triplex forms a collar.
Habitat
Grows in groups mainly in coniferous woodland among needles or moss in late summer and autumn; dry fruitbodies persist for a long time.
Fruiting period
August, September, October, November