Fairy Ring Mushroom

Marasmius oreades This is one of our most common mushrooms. It is often found on lawns and in pastures, occurring from spring through to winter. It tends to grow in rings which make a darker area of grass known as the ‘fairy ring’ from which it gets its English name. Avoid collecting on grassy areas that have been sprayed as mushrooms quickly pick up trace elements. Great care should be taken in learning the characteristics of this mushroom as there is a small white one, Clitocybe rivulosa, that is deadly poisonous and could be confused with it. However, when there is no doubt, fairy ring mushroom will prove to be a good edible species. They dry very well and so can be easily stored. Being small, they are often used in soups and stews, dried and powdered.