mushrooms – Roadkill Crossing

A False Parasol. Photo by Bruce Stambaugh

About this time every summer, a marvel of nature appears in our neighbor’s backyard. A fairy circle or ring appears almost overnight.

The appearance of a lone mushroom is the first sign of the false parasol fungi. By evening, several others have formed an arch. The white caps contrast nicely with the vibrant grass.

Though the fungi seem to be separate ones popping up, they are actually all connected underground. The arch or ring grows as the fungus seeks food underneath the exposed mushrooms, which are not edible.

The fairy rings are naturally occurring and, according to folklore and myth, can bring either good or bad luck. They are also called elf circles or pixie rings. By the time the neighbors mowed their yard, the fungi were the size of dinner plates.

Fairy rings mostly appear in grassy areas, but are also seen in forests. Wherever they show up and in what formation, the fungus is a sight to see.

A fairy ring or circle in our neighbor’s backyard. Photo by Bruce Stambaugh

Each year, a fairy ring or circle appears in our next-door neighbor’s backyard. They often don’t get to see it since they go camping as often as they can.

After several rounds of heavy recent rains, this circle of False Parosal fungi popped up. In the morning, only a couple of fungi appeared. By late afternoon, the fairy circle was nearly complete.

The circles are also known as an elf circle, an elf ring, or a pixie ring. They are naturally occurring rings or arcs of non-edible mushrooms. Some cultures consider these mushroom circles a bad omen, while others think they bring good luck.

This particular ring has occurred nearly every summer in the eight years we have lived in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. Shortly after taking these photos, the circle disappeared, not by some fairy’s magic trick, but by a lawnmower.

Have you ever seen circles like these where you live?

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