Fairy Rings
Approximately 50-60 species of fungi are known to form fairy rings in turf, with Marasmius oreades, Agricus campestris, Lycoperdon spp., and Scleroderms spp. being the most common.
Examples of fairy ring symptoms. Rings vary in size from a few inches to 200 feet in diameter.
Fruiting bodies of the fungi vary depending on species.
Example of fruiting bodies.
Close-up of one type of fruiting bodies.
Click on images to view full-size
Identification and Control Information
- Report on Plant Disease: Fairy Rings, Mushrooms, and Puffballs (PDF)—University of Illinois Extension
- Fairy Ring on Turfgrass (PDF)—Cornell University
- Fun Facts About Fungi: Fairy Rings
More Information
- Report on Plant Disease: Turfgrass Disease Control (PDF)—University of Illinois Extension
[Photos, left to right: unknown; unknown; unknown; Iowa State University; Clemson University - USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series, Bugwood.org; H.J. Larsen, Bugwood.org]