A
fairy ring, also known as
fairy circle,
elf circle,
elf ring or
pixie ring, is a naturally occurring ring or arc of
mushrooms. The rings may grow to over in diameter, and they become stable over time as the fungus grows and seeks food underground. They are found mainly in
forested areas, but also appear in
grasslands or rangelands. Fairy rings are detectable by
sporocarps in rings or arcs, as well as by a necrotic zone (dead grass), or a ring of dark green grass. Fungus
mycelium is present in the ring or arc underneath.