Sessile Earthstar
VU

Sessile Earthstar

Geastrum fimbriatum

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geastrum_fimbriatum

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Sessile Earthstar faces significant decline due to habitat degradation from intensive forestry practices that alter soil chemistry and remove the decaying organic matter essential for its growth. Agricultural expansion and urban development have fragmented its woodland habitats, while climate change affects the delicate moisture balance required for spore dispersal and fruiting body development. Pollution from agricultural runoff and atmospheric nitrogen deposition further compromises the specific soil conditions this fungus requires.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Sessile Earthstar inhabits deciduous and mixed woodlands, particularly favoring areas with rich, well-drained soils containing abundant leaf litter and decaying organic matter. It typically grows in association with mature trees, especially beech and oak forests, where it forms mycorrhizal relationships and contributes to nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Geastraceae

Geastrum melanocephalumEN

Geastrum melanocephalum

Unknown
Field EarthstarVU

Field Earthstar

Geastrum campestre

Unknown
Tiny EarthstarVU

Tiny Earthstar

Geastrum minimum

Unknown
VU

Striated Earthstar

Geastrum striatum

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Sessile Earthstar classified as Vulnerable?
Sessile Earthstar is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Sessile Earthstar faces significant decline due to habitat degradation from intensive forestry practices that alter soil chemistry and remove the decaying organic matter essential for its growth. Agricultural expansion and urban development have fragmented its woodland habitats, while climate change affects the delicate moisture balance required for spore dispersal and fruiting body development. Pollution from agricultural runoff and atmospheric nitrogen deposition further compromises the specific soil conditions this fungus requires.
Where does Sessile Earthstar live?
Sessile Earthstar occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Sessile Earthstar?
The main threats to Sessile Earthstar are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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