Michael Davis
A mushroom ring, also known as a fairy ring, is a naturally occurring phenomenon where mushrooms grow in a circular ring or arc formation. These rings are caused by an individual fungus growing underground and spreading out in search of food. The rings are commonly found in forested areas and grassy lands and have been the subject of much folklore and myth worldwide.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Other names | Fairy circle, elf circle, elf ring, pixie ring, fairy court, fairy walk, fairy ground, hag track |
| Formation | A fairy ring is caused by an individual fungus growing underground. The fungus sprouts lots of small threads, called mycelium, in a circular shape. |
| Growth | The ring starts off small in size, getting bigger as it gets older. The rings may grow to over 10 metres (33 ft) in diameter. One of the largest rings ever found is near Belfort in northeastern France, with a diameter of about 300 metres (980 ft) and is over 700 years old. |
| Location | Fairy rings are mainly found in forested areas, but also appear in grasslands or rangelands, lawns, and playing fields. |
| Time of year | The best time of year to see them is late summer to early autumn, and they are more likely to appear after wet weather. |
| Folklore | Fairy rings are the subject of much folklore and myth worldwide, especially in Western Europe. They are regarded as portals to another world, dance floors for fairies, lucky charms, or dangerous places linked with witches or the Devil. |
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What You'll Learn
Fairy rings are a naturally occurring phenomenon
Fairy rings, also known as fairy circles, elf circles, or pixie rings, are a naturally occurring phenomenon. They are circular rings or arcs of mushrooms that grow in forested areas, grasslands, or rangelands. These rings are formed by the underground presence of fungi, which send out a network of fine, tubular threads called hyphae or mycelium. The hyphae grow outward from the spore in all directions, forming a circular mat from which the mushrooms grow, creating the characteristic ring shape. The rings can grow to over 10 metres (33 feet) in diameter and become stable over time as the fungus grows and searches for food underground.
There are two main types of fairy ring fungi. The first type, found in wooded areas, is called "tethered" because it is formed by mycorrhizal fungi living in symbiosis with trees. The second type, found in meadows, is called "free" because it is disconnected from other organisms, and the mushrooms that grow from it are saprotrophic. About 60 mushroom species can grow in the fairy ring pattern, the most well-known being the edible Scotch bonnet, or fairy ring champignon.
Fairy rings have been the subject of much folklore and myth worldwide, particularly in Western Europe. They are often seen as magical or supernatural places, associated with fairies, elves, or witches. In English and Celtic folklore, it was believed that fairies or elves danced in circles within the rings, and that any humans who joined the dance would be punished. In German folklore, fairy rings were known as witches' rings, while in French folklore, they were guarded by giant toads that would curse anyone who entered. Some cultures believe that fairy rings are portals to another world, while others consider them signs of good luck or locations of underground fairy villages.
The scientific explanation for fairy rings involves the growth and behaviour of fungi. The rings are formed by the outward growth of the mycelium in search of food, which can result in the depletion of local nitrogen levels. This can cause the grass within the ring to wither and die, creating a necrotic zone. Over time, the ring's underground segments die out, and the ring form on the surface becomes less distinct. However, the rings can persist for many years, with some fairy rings in France reported to be over 700 years old.
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They are caused by an individual fungus growing underground
Fairy rings, also known as fairy circles, elf circles, elf rings, or pixie rings, are caused by an individual fungus growing underground. This fungus, known as mycelium, sprouts lots of small threads in a circular shape. Mycelium is a spreading fungus that grows in fertile, damp environments. In favourable conditions, the spores develop into mushrooms, which are the reproductive fruit bodies that sprout above ground. The mushrooms grow in a ring shape, forming a circle above the ground that corresponds to the circular mat of underground hyphal threads.
The fairy ring starts off small and gradually increases in size as the fungus grows and seeks food underground. The mushrooms at the outer edge of the mycelium are part of the fungus that is exploring the soil for food. As the fungus spreads out in search of food, the ring grows wider. The rings may grow to over 10 metres (33 feet) in diameter, and some of the largest rings found are much bigger, reaching up to 600 metres in diameter.
The presence of the underground fungus can cause withering or varying colours in the grass above. This is known as a necrotic zone, where grass or other plant life has withered or died. The fungus produces plant-suppressing chemicals as it develops, which can cause the grass to die, creating a dark patch in the grass. However, it also liberates nutrients in the soil, enabling the vegetation at the edge of the circle to grow taller.
Fairy rings are commonly found in woodland and grassy areas, and they are particularly associated with folklore and mythology worldwide, especially in Western Europe. They are often seen as magical or mystical places, linked with fairies, elves, witches, or other supernatural beings.
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Fairy rings are the subject of folklore and myth worldwide
Fairy rings, also known as fairy circles, elf circles, or pixie rings, are the subject of folklore and myth worldwide, especially in Western Europe. They are naturally occurring rings or arcs of mushrooms, often found in forested areas, grasslands, or rangelands. The rings can grow to over 10 metres (33 feet) in diameter and are formed by the underground growth of fungi, which send out tubular threads called hyphae that grow into a circular pattern.
In folklore, fairy rings are associated with magical creatures like fairies, elves, or witches. In English and Celtic folklore, it is believed that fairy rings are caused by fairies or elves dancing in a circle, and humans who join the dance will be punished and made to dance until they exhaust themselves. In German folklore, fairy rings are known as witches' rings, further emphasising the supernatural associations.
The belief in fairies dancing or gathering within the rings is prevalent in Scottish, Welsh, and Irish traditions. In Scotland and Wales, stories of fairy rings remained common even in the 20th century, with some claiming to have joined fairy dances. Additionally, it is believed that fairies sit on the mushrooms, using them as dinner tables or parasols and umbrellas. Welsh folklore also considers fairy rings as signs of fertility and good fortune, believing that crops and livestock nearby will flourish.
In contrast, other legends portray fairy rings as hazardous or malevolent places. Dutch legends attribute the barren centre of the ring to the devil placing his milk churn there. Austrian traditions mention flying dragons causing the rings, resulting in only toadstools growing in the affected area for seven years. French folklore warns of giant toads guarding the strange circles, ready to curse anyone who enters. Some cultures also believe that stepping into a fairy ring can lead to becoming invisible or trapped forever.
Fairy rings continue to capture the imagination, blending mythology and natural phenomena, and they remain a fascinating aspect of global folklore.
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They can be found in forested areas, grasslands, and rangelands
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 phenomena that can be found in forested areas, grasslands, and rangelands. They are circular rings or arcs of mushrooms that grow from an underground network of fine, tubular threads called hyphae, which are part of a fungus. The fungus grows outward from a central point, seeking food underground and absorbing nutrients from organic matter, dead logs, and decaying leaves. As the fungus grows, the ring becomes larger and more stable over time.
Fairy rings are commonly found in woodlands and grassy areas, including lawns, playing fields, and meadows. They are particularly associated with forested areas, where they are formed by mycorrhizal fungi living in symbiosis with trees. These "tethered" fairy rings are distinct from "free" meadow fairy rings, which are created by saprotrophic mushrooms that are disconnected from other organisms.
The presence of a fairy ring can also affect the surrounding vegetation. The fungus can cause withering or varying colours in the grass above, creating a necrotic zone or an area of dead grass. In some cases, the grass inside the ring may be more abundant or have a different colouring than the grass outside. Additionally, the fungus can liberate nutrients in the soil, enabling the vegetation at the edge of the circle to grow taller.
Fairy rings have been the subject of much folklore and myth worldwide, particularly in Western Europe. They are often associated with fairies, elves, and witches and are seen as either hazardous or lucky places. Some cultures believe that fairy rings are portals to another world, while others consider them signs of an underground fairy village or a fairy dance floor. It is generally advised to avoid stepping into a fairy ring, as they are believed to be dangerous places associated with malevolent beings.
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There are two types of fairy rings: tethered and free
Fairy rings, also known as fairy circles, elf circles, elf rings, or pixie rings, are naturally occurring rings or arcs of mushrooms. They are found mainly in forested areas, but also appear in grasslands or rangelands. They are the subject of much folklore and myth worldwide, particularly in Western Europe. Fairy rings are often seen as magical places, linked with witches, the Devil, or fairies and elves dancing in circles.
There are two generally recognised types of fairy ring fungus: tethered and free. Those found in wooded areas are called tethered because they are formed by mycorrhizal fungi living in symbiosis with trees. Meadow fairy rings are called free because they are disconnected from other organisms. These mushrooms are saprotrophic, and their effects on the grass depend on the type of fungus that is growing. For example, when Calvatia cyathiformis is present, grass grows more abundantly, while Leucopaxillus giganteus causes the grass to wither.
The formation of fairy rings can be explained by two theories. The first theory suggests that fairy rings are begun by a spore from the sporocarpus. The underground presence of the fungus can cause withering or varying colour or growth of the grass above. The second theory, based on investigations of Japanese scientists on the Tricholoma matsutake species, proposes that fairy rings are formed by neighbouring oval genets of mushrooms connecting and growing in an arc or ring shape. As the fungus grows and seeks food underground, the ring becomes larger over time.
Fairy rings are fascinating natural phenomena that have captured the imagination of people worldwide, inspiring various myths and legends.
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Frequently asked questions
A mushroom ring, 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.
Mushroom rings are caused by an individual fungus growing underground. The fungus sprouts lots of small threads, called mycelium, in a circular shape. A year later, the mushrooms pop up out of the ground at the edge of the circle, creating the ring.
Mushroom rings are the subject of much folklore and myth worldwide, particularly in Western Europe. They are alternately seen as hazardous or dangerous places linked with witches or the Devil, or as a sign of good fortune. Some cultures believe that they are portals to another world, while others say that the mushrooms are used as dinner tables for fairies.
