Geastrum

Fungi in the genus Geastrum – also referred to as “earthstars” – have the appearance of small puffballs but differ in having an outer tissue that splits up in a starlike pattern. Geastrum fungi are easily recognized by their typical, star-shaped fruiting bodies, and most species can be identified already in the field. Geastrum is a representative of gasteroid fungi, those that produce their spores in fruiting bodies instead of on the outer surface as is the case with gilled mushrooms. You can learn more on the genus from our booklet.

Most of the 37 species that are known in Europe are rare and occur in habitats that are in decline. As a consequence, several Geastrum species have declining populations and thus they are red-listed in many countries in Europe. By reporting your findings, you will add to the knowledge of this species group and your records will be important contributions to nature conservation. 

Habitats for Geastrum species are quite diverse and include grazed calcareous grasslands, sand steppe vegetation, sand dunes, old-growth coniferous forests, and rich deciduous woodlands.