Emma Wilson
A mushroom circle, also known as a fairy ring, is a naturally occurring phenomenon where mushrooms grow in a circular pattern. These rings are caused by a single fungus growing underground and spreading out in all directions through a network of fine, tubular threads called hyphae. The mushrooms that sprout above ground are the reproductive fruitbodies of the fungus and form a ring shape. Fairy rings can be found in various locations, including forests, grasslands, and even lawns, and have been the subject of folklore and myth worldwide.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Names | Fairy ring, fairy circle, elf circle, elf ring, pixie ring, fairy court, fairy walk, fairy ground, hag track, witches' circles, witches' rings |
| Formation | Fairy rings are formed by the mycelium of a fungus growing in the ground, which sends out tubular threads called hyphae. The threads grow out from the spore in all directions, forming a circular mat. |
| Size | Fairy rings can vary in size, ranging from 6 feet (2 meters) to over 600 meters in diameter. |
| Location | Fairy rings are commonly found in forested areas, but they can also appear in grasslands, lawns, and playing fields. |
| Identification | Fairy rings can be identified by the circular pattern of mushrooms, as well as by a necrotic zone (dead grass) or a ring of dark green grass in the center. |
| Folklore | In folklore and mythology, fairy rings are associated with supernatural beings such as fairies, elves, witches, or the Devil. They are often seen as magical or hazardous places. |
| Toxicity | While some fairy rings are harmless, others can be toxic, with some mushrooms being poisonous. |
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What You'll Learn
- Fairy rings are caused by a single fungus growing underground
- They are also known as elf circles, hag tracks, or witches' rings
- They are the subject of folklore and myth worldwide
- Fairy rings can grow to be over 10 metres in diameter
- They are detectable by dark green grass surrounding patches of dead grass
Fairy rings are caused by a single fungus growing underground
Fairy rings, also known as fairy circles, elf circles, elf rings, pixie rings, fairy courts, fairy walks, fairy grounds, or hag tracks, are naturally occurring rings or arcs of mushrooms. They are found mainly in forested areas but also appear in grasslands or rangelands. They are caused by a single fungus growing underground.
The fungus grows in a circular pattern, sprouting lots of small threads called mycelium or hyphae. These threads form a circular mat, and the mushrooms that grow from this mat form a similar pattern above ground. The mushrooms are like the reproductive fruitbodies or flowers of the fungus, sprouting above ground when the conditions are right. They appear at the edge of the growth ring, and all belong to the same organism, like apples on a tree.
The fairy rings commonly formed by the field mushroom (Agaricus campestris) often measure about 6 feet (2 meters) in diameter. However, some fairy rings can grow to be much larger. For example, the fairy ring formed by Marasmius oreades, commonly known as the fairy ring mushroom, can reach a diameter of 1,200 feet (365 meters). One of the largest rings ever found is near Belfort in northeastern France, with a diameter of about 300 meters (980 feet) and an age of over 700 years.
The circular pattern of fairy rings is due to the growth pattern of the fungus. The fungus grows outward from a central point, and the mushrooms that sprout above ground are all connected to the same underground organism. As the fungus grows, it can cause withering or varying colours in the grass above, creating a necrotic zone of dead grass. The mycelium of the fungus can also absorb nutrients and secrete enzymes from the tips of the hyphae, allowing the vegetation at the edge of the circle to grow taller and appear darker green.
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They are also known as elf circles, hag tracks, or witches' rings
A mushroom circle, also known as a fairy ring, is a naturally occurring phenomenon where a ring or arc of mushrooms grows in forested areas, grasslands, or rangelands. These rings can vary in size, ranging from a few feet to hundreds of meters in diameter. They are caused by the underground growth of a fungus that spreads outward in a circular pattern through a network of fine, tubular threads called hyphae or mycelium. The mushrooms that sprout above ground are part of the same organism and form a ring-shaped fruiting structure.
These mushroom circles have captured the human imagination for centuries and are steeped in folklore and mythology. In English and Celtic folklore, they were believed to be created by fairies or elves dancing in a circle. Joining their dance was considered taboo, with stories warning of fairies punishing humans by forcing them to dance until exhaustion. In German folklore, fairy rings were associated with witches' dances on Walpurgis Night, a spring celebration. Austrian mythology offers another interpretation, attributing fairy rings to dragons burning them into the forest floor with their fiery tails.
The myriad cultural interpretations of these naturally occurring phenomena don't stop there. Some cultures believe these circles are portals to another world, while others see them as dinner tables for fairies. In French, they are known as "ronds de sorcières" (witches' circles), and in German, they are called "Hexenringe" (witches' rings). Additionally, the term hag tracks has been used to describe these enchanting formations.
Regardless of their name or cultural significance, mushroom circles or fairy rings continue to fascinate and enchant people who stumble upon them in the woods, grasslands, or even their own lawns. They serve as a reminder of the intricate and mysterious ways in which nature operates, often sparking curiosity and inspiring creativity.
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They are the subject of folklore and myth worldwide
Mushroom circles, also known as fairy rings, have long been a source of fascination and mystery in cultures around the world. The appearance of these circular formations of mushrooms, often in grassy areas or forests, has sparked numerous myths and legends that have endured for centuries.
In European folklore, fairy rings are believed to be created by the dancing of fairies or other magical creatures. These rings were thought to be portals to the fairy world, and it was considered dangerous to step inside one, for fear of being transported to another realm or becoming enchanted. People believed that these rings were a place of gathering for fairies and entering them would bring bad luck. In some tales, the rings were created by the fairies' dance, with the mushrooms springing up where the fairies had trodden. In others, the rings were seen as magical barriers, protecting the fairy realm from human intrusion.
In Scandinavian folklore, mushroom circles are associated with elves and their magical activities. It was believed that elves created these circles as a part of their festivities and celebrations. Similar beliefs can be found in Slavic folklore, where mushroom circles are connected to mythical creatures like leprechauns and gnomes.
Mushroom circles also hold significance in indigenous cultures. For example, in some Native American traditions, they are believed to be created by spirit beings or nature spirits, serving as a reminder of the interconnectedness of all life and a symbol of the power and mystery of the natural world. Some tribes believed that these circles were a sign of good luck and prosperity, while others considered them sacred spaces for spiritual ceremonies.
The myths and legends surrounding mushroom circles reflect the human fascination with the mysterious and the unknown, as well as our deep connection to the natural world. Even today, these stories continue to capture the imagination, inspiring art, literature, and film, and reminding us of the magic and wonder that can be found in nature.
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Fairy rings can grow to be over 10 metres in diameter
A mushroom circle, also known as a fairy ring, is a naturally occurring ring or arc of mushrooms. They are found mainly in forested areas, but also appear in grasslands or rangelands. They are also common on lawns and playing fields.
The size of a fairy ring is an indicator of the maturity of the mycelium. The mushrooms that grow above the ground are reproductive fruit bodies that sprout when the conditions are right. They are all part of the same organism. The fairy ring starts when the mycelium (spawn) of a mushroom falls in a favourable spot and sends out a subterranean network of fine, tubular threads called hyphae. The threads spread out horizontally in all directions, like spokes radiating from the hub of a wheel. The threads form a circular mat, and the mushrooms that grow from this mat form a similar pattern above the ground.
The fairy rings commonly formed by the field mushroom (Agaricus campestris) often measure about 6 feet (2 metres) in diameter. Marasmius oreades, commonly known as the fairy ring mushroom, forms very large but irregular rings that may attain a diameter of 1,200 feet (365 metres).
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They are detectable by dark green grass surrounding patches of dead grass
Mushroom circles, more commonly known as fairy rings, are naturally occurring rings or arcs of mushrooms. They are detectable by dark green grass surrounding patches of dead grass, known as a necrotic zone. This is caused by the presence of the fungus that produces plant-suppressing chemicals as it develops, which causes the withering and varying colour of the grass above. The dark green colour is a result of the release of phosphorus and nitrogen from the recently decomposed grass.
Fairy rings are formed by the mycelium of a fungus growing in the ground, which sprouts lots of small threads, called hyphae, in a circular shape. The mushrooms that grow above ground are reproductive fruitbodies that belong to the same organism. The rings can grow to be quite large, with some reaching diameters of 150 feet or more, and they become more stable over time as the fungus grows and seeks food.
Fairy rings are the subject of much folklore and myth worldwide, particularly in Western Europe. They are often seen as hazardous or dangerous places linked with witches or the Devil, but they can also be seen as a sign of good fortune. In English and Celtic folklore, fairy rings were caused by fairies or elves dancing in a circle, while in German folklore they were known as witches' rings.
It is important to note that while some fairy rings are made up of edible mushrooms, others can be poisonous, so it is not advisable to touch or consume any mushrooms found in a fairy ring.
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Frequently asked questions
A mushroom circle, also known as a fairy ring, is a naturally occurring ring or arc of mushrooms. They are found mainly in forested areas but also appear in grasslands or rangelands.
A fairy ring starts when the mycelium (spawn) of a mushroom falls in a favourable spot and sends out a subterranean network of fine, tubular threads called hyphae. The threads spread out horizontally in all directions, forming a circular mat of underground hyphal threads. The mushrooms that grow from this mat form a similar pattern above ground.
Mushroom circles are the subject of much folklore and myth worldwide, particularly in Western Europe. They are often seen as hazardous or dangerous places linked with witches or the Devil, but they can also be seen as a sign of good fortune. In English and Celtic folklore, fairy rings were caused by fairies or elves dancing in a circle. In German folklore, fairy rings were known as witches' rings, where witches would dance on Walpurgis Night.
While some believe mushroom circles to be linked with witches or the Devil, the danger of a mushroom circle depends on the type of mushroom. Some mushrooms are poisonous, so it is advised not to touch them.
