Introduction to Mushrooms Revised April 2000
by By Michael W. Beug Email: beugm@evergreen.edu
The Evergreen State College, Olympia WA
Slide 47.
Marasmius oreades, the Fairy Ring Mushroom, is one of many species that grow in a ring in grass, creating a dark green circle where the mycelium is active. When closely examined, the grass has a dead region in the middle of the bright green zone. Before people understood mushroom reproduction, they were mystified as to the source of mushrooms since they pop up overnight seemingly from nowhere. People associated Marasmius oreades with Fairies and felt that Fairies dancing at night caused the dead ring of grass surrounded by bright green grass on both sides. Marasmius oreades is a good edible but is easily mistaken for a toxic sweat-producing Clitocybe species and so is not a good bet for the novice mushroom hunter.
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