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- Super Immune Soup | Fungus Federation of Santa Cruz
Super Immune Soup A special request from the flu-inundated doctors of Santa Cruz Naturopathic Medical Center. ... Coprinus comatus. Photo by Cass Fuentes Inspired by Tom Kha soup concepts, this recipe combines herbs, mushrooms, and several broths, fresh vegetables, and coconut milk for a delicious soup. Many of the ingredients are sold as immune-boosting foods. Note from the Editors : FFSC is not a medical organization, and thus we are unable to confirm whether or not this soup would have medicinal benefits. Enjoy the flavors! Objective: Soup Total Time: Many hours Yield: 1 gallon Suggested Mushrooms: Ganoderma lingzhi (reishi) Lentinula (Lentinus) edodes (shiitake) Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster) Ingredients Mirepoix (pronounced "meer-pwah") 2 –3 T Coconut oil 2 small leeks, cleaned and chopped 1 large carrot, chopped small 4 ribs celery, chopped small 6 garlic cloves, broken and bruised 6 inches ginger root, minced 6 inches turmeric root, minced 2 lemongrass stalks, broken and bruised Mushroom Blend 1.5 lb. shiitakes, sliced and chopped 6 oz. fresh oyster mushrooms 1 small dry reishi mushroom, chopped 3 oz additional mushrooms of choice*, chopped Stock and Seasoning 1 lime, quartered 1 qt. mushroom stock 1 qt. chicken broth 1 gallon vegetable stock 2 T Apple Cider Vinegar Finishing Ingredients 2 cans Coconut Milk 3 bunches baby bok choi, chopped 1 bunch green onion, diced 3T Coconut Aminos (like Bragg’s, but coconut; Coconut Secret) Salt to taste Herbal Tea-soning 2 oz. Echinacea root 6 inches licorice root, broken 3 cold and flu tea bags 1 qt. water * The original submitted recipe suggested 3oz of turkey tails; however, as Trametes versicolor are not on FFSC's Permitted Species List , we recommend you only use turkey tails if you know how to safely prepare them for consumption. Alternatively, you could try another popular soup mushroom, such as Coprinus comatus (shaggy mane). Method Sweat the Mirepoix Place coconut oil in heating stock pot Add leek, carrot, celery, garlic, ginger, turmeric root, and lemon grass. Sweat (do not brown) until vegetables are soft and aromatic. Add mushrooms, and stir quickly to coat with vegetable juices and coconut oil. Prepare the Tea-soning Meanwhile, combine echinacea root, tea bags, and licorice root on low heat and brew for as long as desired. (This will be added to the reduced soup later.) Add the Stock Add all stocks, lime, and vinegar to the stock pot and increase heat to bring soup to a boil. When boiling, reduce to a simmer and cook for many hours until the liquid has reduced (up to 12 hours). Finish the Soup When soup is reduced to desired flavor (this will intensify), add herbal tea. You may reduce the soup even more at this time, or you may remove from heat. Add the coconut milk and bok choi, and season to taste with salt and pepper, and coconut aminos. Immediately before serving, add green onions. Additional Tips: The longer this soup steeps, the better (up to 12 hours). You can remove the reishi mushroom, lemon grass, lime and any firm ingredients before serving, for ease of eating (sick people will appreciate this effort). Over time, the soup may separate, but a good shake in a sealed container will bring it back together. Previous Recipe All Recipes Next Recipe
- Chef Mazi's Perfect Rice | Fungus Federation of Santa Cruz
Chef Mazi's Perfect Rice A Mazi family favorite, this recipe uses stock and powdered mushrooms with the rice in a standard rice cooker for a more full flavored and medicinal version of a standard starch. ... Queen Boletes (Mendocino 2016. Photo by Katherine Elvin I love collecting my own mushrooms and drying them for later use. Shiitake mushrooms, even the dried ones from the store, have a unique quality of increasing their vitamin D2 content by up to 41,000% when placed in the sun. Fresh mushrooms can be dried in the sun for the same effect. This reaction can ensure plenty of vitamin D during the winter months if you plan it right. I estimate the amount by stuffing as many mushrooms as will fit into my herb grinder and powdering the mushrooms. Note : This recipe was originally published by Chef Mazi in the March 2013 issue of Duff. Objective: Side Dish Total Time: About 5 hours Yield: About 4 servings Suggested Mushrooms: Boletus edulis (porcini, penny bun, king bolete) Lentinula (Lentinus) edodes (shiitake) Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster) Ingredients Chicken (or Mushroom) Stock 1 lb. Onions, chopped 0.5 lb. carrots, chopped 0.5 lb. celery, chopped 5-6 gallons of cold water 5-6 lb. chicken (bones=more body, meat=more flavor) or 0.5-1 lb. of dry mushrooms* or more, varied by your desire. Note : Boletus sure do make a tasty stock, but a good mix is a wonderful way to go! Adding fresh mushrooms will yield more color and more full bodied flavor. Bouquet Garni (bundle of herbs tied up together) 20 peppercorns 6 sprigs thyme 1 large bay leaf 10 stems parsley Optionally, use also sage, lavender, etc. Go wild. Rice 2 C rice (any variety, forbidden and long grain brown basmati have the richest flavor) 4 C stock (chicken, mushroom, or vegetable) 1/4 to 1/2 C dry powdered mushroom (oyster and shiitake are delicious) 1 to 2 T coconut oil or butter Method Chicken (or Mushroom) Stock Place all ingredients in a large stock pot. Bring stock to a boil with all ingredients, reduce to a simmer, and continue to simmer for 3-5 hours or longer, skimming off the surface scum that rises. Rice Put all the rice ingredients and stock in a rice cooker and press go! Makes 4 cups of rice. Previous Recipe All Recipes Next Recipe
- Black & White Truffle Cheese Fondue | Fungus Federation of Santa Cruz
Black & White Truffle Cheese Fondue Todd Spanier's cooking demonstration at the 2012 Fungus Fair included this very yummy Truffle Fondue. ... Tuber oregonense. © Noah Siegel (from Mycoweb.com) Todd shared this wonderful recipe with attendees at the 2012 Santa Cruz Fungus Fair. Todd is the owner and founder of King of Mushrooms, one of our long-time Fungus Fair vendors . Objective: Main Course Total Time: Overnight prep + 30 mins Yield: Varies by appetite Suggested Mushrooms: See code Ingredients 1 tablespoon butter 1 tablespoon white truffle oil Black truffle salt to taste 1⁄2 cup white wine 1⁄2 cup whipping cream 1 tablespoon cornstarch 500 gm (about 1 lb.) of Fontina Cheese (Todd recommends Fontina Val d'Aosta cheese from the Italian alps As many freshly sliced black and white truffles as your budget permits. Baguette(s) for dipping. Method Prepare the Cheese (Overnight) De-rind cheese, shred into a bowl and macerate overnight in whole milk (i.e., fully immerse the shredded cheese in milk, cover the bowl, and place in fridge.) Prepate the Fondue Melt butter in a heavy bottomed pot over gentle heat. Add wine and whipping cream and simmer for 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low.* Mix shredded cheese with cornstarch and add, stirring constantly, until all of the cheese is melted. Season to taste with black truffle salt and white truffle oil. Before serving, thinly slice enough fresh black and white truffles to cover the surface, and then fold into cheese. Hold over low heat in a double boiler or fondue pot to serve. * Never boil the fondue after the cheese is added (otherwise it will break the sauce). Previous Recipe All Recipes Next Recipe
- Snow Peas, Leeks, and Shiitake Mushrooms | Fungus Federation of Santa Cruz
Snow Peas, Leeks, and Shiitake Mushrooms A quick and delicious Asian inspired vegetable dish. ... Shiitake on a log. (wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiitake) Objective: Side Dish Total Time: 30 mins Yield: About 4 servings Suggested Mushrooms: See code Ingredients 1 T coconut oil 1 leek, white part only, washed, quartered and sliced thin against the grain 1 lb. shiitake mushrooms, de-stemmed, and sliced thin 1 lb. snow peas, strings removed 1 t salt 1/2 t pepper 1 to 2 T Coconut Aminos Method Heat sauté pan on medium heat and melt coconut oil When oil is hot, add leeks and shiitakes and cook until shiitakes are fully cooked and have released their juices. Add salt and pepper. Add snow peas, and sauté quickly. Add coconut aminos and cover to steam finish the dish. Simply exchange the peas for sliced baby bok choy for a crunchy and delicious alternative. Previous Recipe All Recipes Next Recipe
- Recipes | Fungus Federation of Santa Cruz
Mushroom Recipes Our FFSC members love to share recipes! Whether you're looking for something new to try at home or for one of our potlucks, here are some tasty recipes to experiment with. Mushroom Bisque in a Teacup. Photo by John Spaur Filter by Mushroom Close Black & White Truffle Cheese Fondue ... Todd Spanier's cooking demonstration at the 2012 Fungus Fair included this very yummy Truffle Fondue. Candy Cap & Sage Pork Tenderloin ... This savory Candy Cap dish delighted members at one of our long-distance foray dinners. Chanterelle Pancake Crepes ... Fresh from the forest and down on the table, a delicious chanterelle recipe, contributed by Annie Lang. Chef Mazi's Perfect Rice ... A Mazi family favorite, this recipe uses stock and powdered mushrooms with the rice in a standard rice cooker for a more full flavored and medicinal version of a standard starch. Crab Stuffed Morels ... Here is a morel recipe from Phil Carpenter. This stuffing can be used on cap-type mushrooms also! Crab and Mushroom Chowder ... Many supermarkets now carry a decent selection of "exotic” mushroom varieties, such as shiitake, oyster, and cremini mushrooms. You can make this delicious chowder using a single variety or a combination of foraged and commercial varieties. Curried Green Beans with Sulphur Shelf ... Enjoy this tasty treatment for sulphur shelf mushrooms in coconut curry. Morel Corn Macadamia Fritters ... Thai-style recipe. Fritters can be served warm or at room temperature as an appetizer or side dish. Morel Crusted Ahi Tuna ... This one went super fast at one of our Wine & Mushroom gatherings! Mushroom Bisque ... I usually look at other recipes and then wing it, so quantities are guesstimates. The liquid needs to be varied to get the right consistency of the bisque. Mushroom Piroshki ... Have fun improvising, by alternating different combinations of ingredients. North African Pork and Beans with Candy Cap Mushrooms ... We most often think of the Candy Cap in a sweet context; this recipe provides a delectable savory alternative! Pasta Porcini ... This Northern Italian recipe comes from the year Deb taught school in Trieste, Italy. Porcini Soup ... Robin Morris shared this wonderful Porcini soup recipe. Enjoy! Savory Mushroom Clafouti ... I learned this recipe from the late Larry Stickney, a phenomenal guy who was instrumental in creating a culture of mushrooming in the Bay Area. Snow Peas Leeks Shiitake Mushrooms ... A quick and delicious Asian inspired vegetable dish. Super Immune Soup ... A special request from the flu-inundated doctors of Santa Cruz Naturopathic Medical Center. Turkey Bacon Dip ... Maria Tanase made this dip for the FFSC Holiday Potluck. It was a big hit with the participants. Wild Mushroom Duxelles ... Spread on a baguette or crackers, or use it as mushroom duxelles to enliven a variety of dishes.
- Chanterelle Pancake Crepes | Fungus Federation of Santa Cruz
Chanterelle Pancake Crepes Fresh from the forest and down on the table, a delicious chanterelle recipe, contributed by Annie Lang. ... Chanterelle. Photo by Yevgeny Nyden Objective: Main Course Total Time: About an hour Yield: 8-10 pancakes Suggested Mushrooms: Cantharellus sp. (chanterelle) Ingredients 500 g (1 lb.) Fresh Chanterelles, shredded or cut to bite-sized pieces (or you can use any mushroom you like) 125 g (4 oz.) Bacon, diced 2 Onions, diced 1⁄2 bunch Parsley, chopped 200 g ( 3/4 C) Sour Cream check weight/measure Salt, peppr – to taste 300 g Flour (apx. 2 1/2 C) 600 ml (2 1/2 C) Milk 6 Eggs, beaten 1 bunch Chives Method Topping Heat oil in a frying pan. Sauté the onions and bacon. Drain most of the bacon fat. Add the mushrooms and continue to cook 10 minutes, until the water from the mushrooms has evaporated. Add the parsley and sour cream and boil down a little, till slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper. Batter Put the flour in a bowl, mix with salt. Add the eggs. Gradually incorporate the milk until the batter is relatively smooth. Add the finely chopped herbs and mix well. Note : this will be a thin batter. Not like American pancake batter, think crepes. Heat a pan with olive oil. Add pancake batter and cook until lightly golden, flip and cook until the other side is lightly golden. Place pancakes on the plate, top with the mushroom sour cream mixture, roll and plate. Serve with a salad and enjoy! Bonus : These pancakes can also used for soups in place of noodles. Roll the pancakes, slice to the width of linguine. Previous Recipe All Recipes Next Recipe
- Fungus Federation of Santa Cruz | When It Rains It Spores
Learn about mushrooms, both deadly and delicious, at the 2026 Santa Cruz Fungus Fair, brought to you by the Fungus Federation of Santa Cruz and the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History. View hundreds of regional species, have your mushroom finds identified, and explore the secrets of the fungal kingdom. Mushrooms fascinate us! They're ubiquitous and mysterious, delicious and sometimes deadly. They're among the oldest living things on earth. Excited to learn more? You might be a fungiphile! Learn About Fungi Explore the World of Fungi Join us as we hunt mushrooms for scientific interest and for the table. Learn to create art with fungi. Spend time outdoors and share your fungi finds with friends! Explore All Events We Keep the "fun" in fungus! Our mission is to foster and expand the understanding and appreciation of mycology among our members and the general public. And to always keep the “fun” in fungus! Why Join FFSC? Previous Next Fungus Federation of Santa Cruz "An eating and drinking club with a mushroom problem" -- Henry Young January 9-11, 2026 Santa Cruz, CA Thanks for visiting! Fungus Fair Fungus Fair Fungus Fair Fungus Fair The 2026 Santa Cruz Upcoming FFSC Events August 29, 2026 at 3:00 PM – September 6, 2026 at 11:00 AM Alaska Long-Distance Foray, September 2026 Save the date for our fantastic journey in Alaska! Explore the Alaskan Kenai peninsula and be amazed by the wildlife, fjords, glaciers and of course mushrooms. September 15, 2026, 6:00 – 9:00 PM September Speaker | Liv Fragiacomo : Organic Strawberries - Bio Alternatives to Plastic Join us for our first monthly speaker of the 2026-2027 season! October 20, 2026, 6:00 – 9:00 PM October Speaker | Save the Date : Details TBD Check back at the beginning of the season to learn about our October monthly speaker. Explore All Events Recent News & Stories More Articles Hugh Smith July 3, 2026 at 4:45:00 PM Earth Stars — Astreas Hygrometricus I went to Yuba County to hunt for Earth Stars. Although they are curled up and dry during the summer months, they aren’t too hard to find once you find a few older stray ones. The grass isn’t tall and it’s dry as well. Pinned to top Lisa Tesler June 18, 2026 at 9:13:00 PM Spring Fungi of the Sierra Nevada - 2026 Recap Each spring, the retreat of the snowpack provides a unique ecological window of opportunity for “snowbank fungi”, a group of mushrooms that (as the name suggests) grow in and around snowbanks. As spring gives way to summer, curious mycophiles from around the world gather at a rustic campus in Tahoe National Forest to study these fascinating fungi. Pinned to top Dan Tischler May 20, 2026 at 7:11:16 PM FFSC 2026 Ministers Elections-Results Welcome our new slate of FFSC ministers elected at May 19, 2026 general meeting. Pinned to top Join Our Indoor and Outdoor Activities We get together from September through May to learn and share knowledge about mushrooms, while having fun! Monthly talks from mycologists and enthusiasts that inspire and educate. Peruse mushrooms that people bring in, and enjoy refreshments. FREE and open to the public. Monthly Speakers From tailgate tastings and potlucks to chef dinners, our foodie fun events are scattered throughout the year. Potlucks & Chef Dinners Join local forays in the Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay areas. Learn while exploring our local woods and fields with like-minded people. Local Forays Long-distance forays are overnight (or longer) trips farther afield. They carry the allure of new fungal finds, amazing culinary pleasures, and collaborative education adventure. Long-Distance Forays Gain more knowledge and hands-on experience with mushroom ID and mycology. (Some classes are for FFSC members only.) ID Classes & Workshops Explore hundreds of wild species, both deadly and delicious. Create mushroom crafts--fun for all ages! Visit vendors and sample delicious mushroomy treats. Santa Cruz Fungus Fair Join our club for only $25 per household! Why Join FFSC? Online Resources The safest way to learn about mushrooms is to hunt and identify mushrooms with knowledgable people in person. In addition, here are some field guildes, recipes, and other resources that can help you build your knowlede. Stay safe, and have fun learning! Featured Fungi Get background intel on mushrooms you may encounter in your wanderings. Myco Art Mushroom photography, and making art with or inspired by mushrooms. Field Reports Foray stories and species we found. (Available to FFSC members only.) Mushroom Recipes Recipes with mushrooms, and complementary dishes. Try them at home or for an FFSC potluck! Culinary Techniques Bring out the flavors of your edible finds by cleaning and storing them properly Online Learning Advice and self-challenges to build your skills. Scholarships Scholarship opportunities for students, non-profits, and FFSC members studying fungi. What We're Reading Browse our selection of books and articles on mycology. Follow @scfungusfed on Instagram Load more
- Mushroom Piroshki | Fungus Federation of Santa Cruz
Mushroom Piroshki Have fun improvising, by alternating different combinations of ingredients. ... Piroshki (from Wikipedia Commons) Objective: Main Course Total Time: 4-6 hours (including dough prep) Yield: 16 to 20 servings Suggested Mushrooms: See code Ingredients Dough 1 package active dry yeast 1/4 C warm water 1 C milk 3 eggs 1/2 C vegetable oil 2 Tbl. granulated sugar 1 tsp. salt 4 C all-purpose flour Filling I vary the fillings each time, precooking/preparing each ingredient separately. For example: Lean ground beef (precooked) Potatoes (precooked) Carmelized onions Mushrooms (precooked) Cheese (mozzarella or cheddar) Method Prepare the Dough Dissolve the yeast in the 1/4 cup of warm water and place in a warm location until frothy, about 10 to 15 minutes. In a medium saucepan over low heat, warm the milk and gently whisk in the eggs, oil, sugar and salt. Remove from heat. Place half the flour in a large mixing bowl and gradually stir in the milk mixture. Then add the yeast solution alternately with the remaining flour, stirring after each addition. Mix well. Knead until the dough forms a ball and does not stick to the bowl. (Note: Start with the 4 cups of flour. You may need to add more, a little at a time, as you knead the dough). Cover the bowl with a clean cloth. Set in a warm location and allow to rise until doubled in volume. Remove dough from bowl and place on a lightly floured surface. Pinch off pieces. Roll the pieces into disks about 3 1/2 to 4 inches in diameter. Fill and Cook Place an amount of filling in the center of your dough circle, leaving room to seal the edges. Have some fun improvising with different combinations of ingredients, trading off mozzerella or cheddar cheese. Fold over and seal like a tart, then reposition so that the seam will be on the bottom of your piroshki. Reshape if needed. Repeat. You can deep fry them until the dough is cooked through, or for a health-conscious crowd, coat the with egg and bake them in the oven. Previous Recipe All Recipes Next Recipe
- Crab Stuffed Morels | Fungus Federation of Santa Cruz
Crab Stuffed Morels Here is a morel recipe from Phil Carpenter. This stuffing can be used on cap-type mushrooms also! ... Morels at camp. Photo by Katherine Elvin Objective: Appetizer/Salad Total Time: About 30-45 minutes Yield: 4 to 8 (depending on size of morels) Suggested Mushrooms: See code Ingredients 12–18 medium to large fresh morels Stuffing Mixture 8 oz soft cream cheese 2 Tbsp finely chopped shallots 1⁄2 tsp finely chopped garlic 2 Tbsp soy sauce 6–8 oz chopped crab meat 1–2 Tbsp finely chopped Italian parsley Pepper to taste Method Preheat oven to 350° F. Combine the stuffing mixture ingredients in a medium to large bowl. Carefully slice each morel lengthwise along one side only. (Do not cut both sides.) Partially open the morels and fill with the stuffing mixture (being careful not to tear them.) Place on a dry or lightly oiled cookie sheet. and bake for 10–15 minutes until mushrooms soften. Previous Recipe All Recipes Next Recipe
- Turkey Bacon Dip | Fungus Federation of Santa Cruz
Turkey Bacon Dip Maria Tanase made this dip for the FFSC Holiday Potluck. It was a big hit with the participants. ... Porcini (bolete). (Albion) Photo by Katherine Elvin Objective: Appetizer/Salad Total Time: 60 mins Yield: 3 cups Suggested Mushrooms: See code Ingredients 3-4 slices dried porcini 1⁄2 C boiling water 8 slices turkey bacon 1 large leek, white and pale green parts only, halved lengthwise, thinly sliced crosswise and washed well 2-3 cloves garlic 1 lb cremini, white or shitake mushrooms, cleaned and chopped Ground pepper and salt to taste Fresh or dried thyme 1 8oz package cream cheese – softened 2 C sour cream 1-2 T oil Method In a small bowl, soak porcini in boiling water until soft (about 20 minutes). Working over the bowl, lift out porcini and squeeze out liquid. Finely chop. Add oil to a skillet and cook turkey bacon over medium heat until crisp. Add leek and garlic, stirring occasionally, until translucent (about 2 minutes). Add finely chopped mushrooms and porcini, then season to taste with salt and pepper. Cook until tender (about 5-8 minutes). Add thyme, cook 2 minutes and cool. Whisk cream cheese in a medium bowl until smooth and add sour cream. Whisk until smooth and add mushroom bacon mixture. Adjust seasonings to taste. Previous Recipe All Recipes Next Recipe
- Crab and Mushroom Chowder | Fungus Federation of Santa Cruz
Crab and Mushroom Chowder Many supermarkets now carry a decent selection of "exotic” mushroom varieties, such as shiitake, oyster, and cremini mushrooms. You can make this delicious chowder using a single variety or a combination of foraged and commercial varieties. ... Oysters ready for shucking Avoid white mushrooms though; they don’t have the flavor and texture needed for this hearty soup. Objective: Soup Total Time: Under two hours (est.) Yield: Varies Suggested Mushrooms: Cantharellus sp. (chanterelle) Lentinula (Lentinus) edodes (shiitake) Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster) Ingredients 5 cups assorted mushrooms (about 1 lb) 3/4 cup water 6 tbsp butter 3/4 cup diced onion 1/4 cup diced celery 1/2 cup diced leek (white and light green parts) 2 tsp minced garlic 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1 qt Chicken Broth (Recipe below) 2 1/4 cups diced russet potatoes (peeled) 3/4 cup milk 6 tbsp dry sherry 2 tsp heavy cream 1 tsp salt, or as needed 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper, or as needed 10 oz. lump crab meat Method Clean and slice the mushrooms, separating the caps and stems. Simmer stems in water for 30 minutes to make a mushroom broth. Strain broth and set aside. Heat 5 tablespoons of butter in a large soup pot. Add onion, celery, leek and garlic. Cook until tender, stirring occasionally (4-6 minutes). Add flour and cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon (3-4 minutes). Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook 15 minutes. Strain through a sieve, pressing hard on the solids to recover as much thickened broth as possible. Return the broth to a simmer and discard the solids. Add potatoes to the broth and simmer until tender (about 15 minutes). Remove the pot from the heat and add the milk, 4 tablespoons sherry and heavy cream. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Meanwhile, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced mushroom caps and sauté until tender (7-10 minutes). Add the mushroom broth, stirring and scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to loosen any particles of mushroom stuck to the pan. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Stir the mushrooms with their liquid and the crabmeat into the chowder. Check seasoning once more and make adjustments to taste. Serve in heated bowls, garnishing with remaining sherry if desired. Previous Recipe All Recipes Next Recipe
- Earth Stars — Astreas Hygrometricus | Fungus Federation of Santa Cruz
News & Stories / Earth Stars — Astreas Hygrometricus I went to Yuba County to hunt for Earth Stars. Although they are curled up and dry during the summer months, they aren’t too hard to find once you find a few older stray ones. The grass isn’t tall and it’s dry as well. Hugh Smith • July 3, 2026 Astreas hygrometricus. Photo by Hugh Smith These are Water Measure Earth Stars, Astreas hygrometricus . They open up when it’s wet, pushing themselves up through the Oak duff. Astreas hygrometricus . Photo by Hugh Smith The petals (rays) of this fungus curl up when conditions are dry, then repeat when a rain comes, pushing themselves up again above the duff. They can do this for a decade or more! I’ve studied them for several years, collecting some of the prime specimens to take home and put in my yard. I put them in other people’s yards too, putting them where hopefully, they'll be noticed when they open up. When an Earthstar opens up, they remind me of a creature, maybe even something that might have just fell out of the sky, an alien looking thing. Most people don’t even recognize them as anything when they’re dried up and curled. But when you see them open, holding their puff ball shaped spore sack high above the ground, you’d think they might wonder. Astreas hygrometricus . Photo by Hugh Smith (Continued below) Members Only Content Login Join FFSC Related Posts Busted Memories of Matsutake Previous Article All News & Stories Next Article









