Barometer Earthstar

Astraeus hygrometricus

Family: Diplocystaceae

Also called: Barometer Earthstar, Hygroscopic Earthstar, Weather Earthstar

Barometer Earthstar (Astraeus hygrometricus)
Photo:Richard Sullivan (enchplant)(CC BY-SA 3.0)View original source →

Overview

Earthstar whose rays open in wet weather, close when dry. Inedible — historically eaten in parts of Asia but reports of toxicity.

Edibility
Edible
Rarity
common
Trophic mode
saprotrophic
Typical peak
Sep–Oct

Season

Sep–Nov — typical fruiting months: Aug, Sep, Oct.

Host trees & substrate

  • Decaying oak wood and forest litter
  • Decaying beech wood and forest litter
  • Decaying maple wood and forest litter

Where it grows

See live fruiting predictions for Barometer Earthstar on the forecast home page, or browse the full field guide.

Always confirm wild-mushroom identification with multiple sources and a knowledgeable local expert before consuming. Read the foraging safety guide.