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.		Close-up of one type of fruiting bodies.

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Identification and Control Information (each will open in a new window)

Report on Plant Disease: Fairy Rings, Mushrooms, and Puffballs [PDF]—University of Illinois Extension
Fairy Ring on Turfgrass—Cornell University Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic
Fairy Ring: A Problem of Turgrass, with Management Options—Curtis Swift, Colorado State University Extension
Fun Facts About Fungi: Fairy Rings

More Information (each will open in a new window)

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]

It is the policy of the State of Maine to minimize reliance on pesticides. The Maine Department of Agriculture and the Maine IPM Council encourage everyone to practice integrated pest management and to use pesticides only as a last resort. The mention of pesticides in the fact sheets linked to these pages does not imply an endorsement of any product. Be sure that any product used is currently registered and follow all label directions.

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Fairy Rings

Identification and Control Information (each will open in a new window)

More Information (each will open in a new window)

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