Synonyms: Astraeus stellatus, Geaster decaryi, Geaster hygrometricum, Geastrum argentum, Geastrum castaneum, Geastrum commune, Geastrum decaryi, Geastrum diderma, Geastrum hygrometricum, Geastrum stellatum, Geastrum vulgare, Geastrum vulgaris, Lycoperdon stellatum, Lycoperdon stellatus.
Common names: barometer earthstar, Hygroscopic Earthstar.
Extract from Wikipedia article: Astraeus hygrometricus, commonly known as the hygroscopic earthstar, the barometer earthstar, or the false earthstar, is a species of fungus in the family Diplocystaceae. Young specimens resemble a puffball when unopened. In maturity, the mushroom displays the characteristic earthstar shape that is a result of the outer layer of fruit body tissue splitting open in a star-like manner. The false earthstar is an ectomycorrhizal species that grows in association with various trees, especially in sandy soils. A. hygrometricus was previously thought to have a cosmopolitan distribution, though it is now thought to be restricted to Southern Europe, and Astraeus are common in temperate and tropical regions. Its common names refer to the fact that it is hygroscopic (water-absorbing), and can open up its rays to expose the spore sac in response to increased humidity, and close them up again in drier conditions. The rays have an irregularly cracked surface, while the spore case is pale brown and smooth with an irregular slit or tear at the top. The gleba is white initially, but turns brown and powdery when the spores mature. The spores are reddish-brown, roughly spherical with minute warts, measuring 7.5–11 micrometers in diameter.
Armenian: Աստղիկ հիգրոմետրիկ, Czech: Hvězdák vlhkoměrný, Dutch: Weerhuisje (paddenstoel), Estonian: Baromeeterseen, Georgian: მიწისვარსკვლავა, German: Gemeiner Wetterstern, Japanese: ツチグリ (菌類), Polish: Promieniak wilgociomierz, Russian: Звездчатка гигрометрическая, Serbian: Влагомерна звездица, Swedish: Väderspåstjärna, Thai: เห็ดเผาะ, Ukrainian: Астреус гігрометричний.
Astraeus hygrometricus is a species of earthstar fungus that grows underground and emerges to release spores. In East and Central Texas, it typically fruits from March to October, often in sandy or clay soils with oak, pine, or mixed hardwood trees. The fungus has a rounded, star-shaped appearance with 4-8 arms, ranging in color from brown to tan, and reaches diameters of 3-8 cm. It is commonly found in areas with rich soil and adequate moisture, such as along streams, rivers, and woodland edges.
Hygroscopic earthstar mushrooms (Astraeus hygrometricus) on a lawn on Gilchrist Avenue. College Station, Texas, November 17, 2017
293, Gilchrist Avenue, College Station, Brazos County, Texas, 77840, United States
Hygroscopic earthstar mushrooms (Astraeus hygrometricus) on a field near oaks in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, February 27, 201923200 Park Rd, Washington, TX 77880, USA
Hygroscopic earthstar mushrooms (Astraeus hygrometricus) on a lawn near Robinson Ferry Road in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, December 28, 201923400 Park Rd 12, Washington, TX 77880, USA
Mature opened hygroscopic earthstar mushrooms (Astraeus hygrometricus) on a lawn near Robinson Ferry Road in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, December 28, 201923400 Park Rd 12, Washington, TX 77880, USA
Group of mature hygroscopic earthstar mushrooms (Astraeus hygrometricus) on a lawn near Robinson Ferry Road in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, December 28, 201923400 Park Rd 12, Washington, TX 77880, USA
Barometer earthstar mushroom (Astraeus hygrometricus) on a lawn in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, January 24, 202123400 Park Rd 12, Washington, TX 77880, USA
Barometer earthstar mushroom (Astraeus hygrometricus)(?) on Forest Road 203 on Richards Loop Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Texas, August 28, 2021Forest Rd 203, Montgomery, TX 77356, USA
Mature barometer earthstar mushrooms (Astraeus hygrometricus) in Bastrop State Park. Bastrop, Texas, April 15, 2023Lost Pines Trail, Bastrop County, Texas, 78602, United States
Dried barometer earthstar mushrooms (Astraeus hygrometricus) in Bastrop State Park. Bastrop, Texas, April 15, 2023Lost Pines Trail, Bastrop County, Texas, 78602, United States
Last year barometer earthstar mushrooms (Astraeus hygrometricus) in Bastrop State Park. Bastrop, Texas, April 15, 2023Lost Pines Trail, Bastrop County, Texas, 78602, United States
Spores (in KOH) of dry earthstar mushrooms Astraeus hygrometricus collected in Bastrop State Park. Bastrop, Texas, April 15, 2023
Barometer earthstar mushrooms (Astraeus hygrometricus) in open grassy area in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, November 26, 2023Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, 23400, Park Road 12, Washington, Washington County, Texas, 77880, United States
Barometer earthstar mushrooms (Astraeus hygrometricus) in prairie in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, November 26, 2023Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, 23400, Park Road 12, Washington, Washington County, Texas, 77880, United States
Spores (in Melzer) of barometer earthstar mushrooms (Astraeus hygrometricus) collected in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, November 26, 2023Observations of Astraeus hygrometricus in East and Central Texas reveal the fungus grows in various environments, including lawns, fields, and open grassy areas near oak trees. It has been spotted in multiple locations, such as College Station, Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, Sam Houston National Forest, and Bastrop State Park. The fungus appears at different times of the year, from November to April, with some observations showing mature, opened mushrooms, while others display dried or last year's remains. Spore samples have been collected and examined in KOH and Melzer solutions, providing further insight into the species' characteristics. The fungus seems to thrive in a range of habitats, including prairies and wooded areas, highlighting its adaptability in East and Central Texas ecosystems. Multiple sightings in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site suggest it may be a common species in this region.
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