What are Fairy Rings?
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A fairy ring in a lawn- the ring measures 7 feet across!
photo by David Gough
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In spite of the name, Fairy Rings have nothing to do with
fairies, but everything to do with fungi.
Sometimes, on a lawn, field, or in the woods, you’ll come upon a circle
of mushrooms – a ‘fairy ring’. But where
did the name fairy ring come from? You
can trace it back to ancient folklore:
“The name fairy ring comes from an old folk tale. People once believed that mushrooms growing
in a circle followed the path made by fairies dancing in a ring . . .”
A common fairy ring that appears in lawns is the Fairy Ring
Marasmius. We see the fruiting bodies (mushrooms)
but most of the fungus is underground (mycelium) spreading out to form a circle
which is usually greener than the rest of the grass.
Rings of the Fairy Ring Marasmius have been measured up to
10 metres in diameter. A fairy ring of a
different species found in France was said to be 600 metres in diameter and
more than 700 years old.
* Ask Al is a regular feature in NatureWILD magazine. NatureWILD is produced quarterly by NatureKids BC and comes free with membership.
Who is Al? Al Grass has worked as a career park naturalist and ranger throughout BC. Now he is a well-known nature tour leader and photographer. Al especially likes birds, insects and spiders. If you have a nature question you want answered write to Al at: info@naturekidsbc.ca and perhaps your question will be answered in an upcoming issue!
What are Fairy Rings, NatureWILD Volume 10, Issue 1, 2009
