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Beaked Earthstar
(Geastrum pectinatum) |
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 Beaked Earthstar sculpture, acrylic paint |
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Earthstars (Geastrum species) are stalked puffballs supported by star-like rays that look a little like legs. This one has a gray, rounded spore sac (the puffball part) 3/8 to 3/4 inches wide with a narrow neck underneath, and a long, beak-like opening (through which the spores eventually emerge) on top |
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Beaked Earthstar The sac of this old earthstar, which contains the spores, has already degenerated. |
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The inside is white at first. When the spores mature, they turn into a brown powder. The 5 to 10 curved rays are 5/8 to 3/4 inches long. As with other earthstars, they may curve upward to partially surround the spore sac when the mushroom dries out, and return to their standing positions when you moisten the mushroom—especially fun for kids. Other earthstars lack the beak. Other puffballs don't have "legs." This mushroom grows in the east and parts of central North America, but not west of Michigan. Look for it in open woods, especially near cedars, and in sandy places, such as fields near the seashore. Look for the beaked earthstar from early summer to early fall. No earthstars are edible. |
