Weathered Earthstar
EN

Weathered Earthstar

Geastrum corollinum

Unknown

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

Overview

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

The Weathered Earthstar faces severe decline due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited range. Forest fragmentation disrupts the delicate mycorrhizal networks essential for this fungus's survival, while soil compaction from livestock grazing degrades the specific substrate conditions it requires. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering moisture regimes and temperature patterns critical for spore germination and fruiting body development.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Weathered Earthstar inhabits mature deciduous and mixed woodlands, particularly favoring well-drained sandy or loamy soils rich in organic matter. It forms symbiotic relationships with tree roots in undisturbed forest floors, typically found in areas with consistent moisture levels and minimal human disturbance.

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
Sessile EarthstarVU

Sessile Earthstar

Geastrum fimbriatum

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Weathered Earthstar classified as Endangered?
Weathered Earthstar is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. The Weathered Earthstar faces severe decline due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited range. Forest fragmentation disrupts the delicate mycorrhizal networks essential for this fungus's survival, while soil compaction from livestock grazing degrades the specific substrate conditions it requires. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering moisture regimes and temperature patterns critical for spore germination and fruiting body development.
Where does Weathered Earthstar live?
Weathered 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 Weathered Earthstar?
The main threats to Weathered 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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