The mushroom season is primarily associated with porcini mushrooms, bay boletes and chanterelles. Meanwhile, on lawns, meadows and forest edges, you can find a much less well-known but very aromatic mushroom – Marasmius oreades.
Although it is small and easy to overlook, it has one feature that distinguishes it from many other species. Its thin stem is exceptionally durable and flexible—it is very difficult to break. It is from this exceptional resilience that the mushroom’s name originates.
Marasmius oreades does not need trees or forest litter. It most often grows on lawns, meadows, pastures, in parks and on the edges of forests. It often forms characteristic rings, commonly known as “fairy rings.”
“Fairy rings”—what are they?
Marasmius oreades often grows in so-called “fairy rings”—circles or arcs formed by emerging mushrooms. They develop because the mycelium spreads underground in all directions, while the fruiting bodies appear along its edges.
In the past, people believed that witches or devils danced in such places at night, which is where the name “fairy rings” came from. Today, we know that this is a natural phenomenon resulting from the expansion of the mycelium.
How to identify Marasmius oreades?
This is a small mushroom with a cap usually measuring between 2 and 5 centimeters in diameter. The cap is cream-colored or light brown, and becomes lighter during drought. It also has a characteristic central bump. The gills are light, fairly widely spaced and do not attach to the stem. The stem itself is thin, flexible and very hard—this is one of the species’ most characteristic features.
Where can Marasmius oreades be found in Bolesławiec?
We noticed locations of Marasmius oreades in several places in Bolesławiec:
- green areas near the Dino store on Starzyńskiego Street,
- in the park near the municipal stadium (before its reconstruction).
Perfect for soups and sauces
Marasmius oreades is an edible mushroom. However, only the caps are used in cooking, as the stem is hard, fibrous and practically inedible. The caps have an intense, pleasant mushroom aroma that becomes even more pronounced after drying. They are perfect for preparing aromatic mushroom soup, sauces and stuffings, or as an addition to meat dishes.
Remember about safety
If we plan to collect Marasmius oreades for eating, we should choose places away from busy roads, industrial plants and areas that may be polluted. It is also worth remembering to collect only mushrooms whose identification we are completely certain of. In case of any doubts, it is better to refrain from collecting them or consult an experienced mushroom picker or a mycologist.
