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The spread of Chorioactis geaster, better known as the “Texas star” puzzles scientists. The mushroom is completely unique to Texas, with the exception of the occasional sightings around Kyushu, Japan, which makes it one of the rarest mushrooms in the world.
To the delight of local mushroom enthusiasts, Governor Greg Abbott finally signed a bill on June 22nd declaring the mushroom the first official state mushroom of Texas.
For regional enthusiasts, the Texas Star Mushroom is a bit of local flora that Texans can proudly claim for themselves (while tipping their hats towards the western Pacific Ocean). The Central Texas Mycological Society, which aims to “Increase Mushroom Understanding,” is even working to raise enough money to put its image on a license plate.
I’m not in the trend forecasting business, but you heard it first here: The Texas Star is shooting toward Texas Bluebonnet status. It is not yet possible to say whether ritual family photos will be taken in the vicinity of damp mushroom enclaves.
The mushroom approaching fame is aptly named for its leathery, star-shaped properties that are only visible after flowering. While otherwise absent around the world, the mushrooms are not entirely uncommon in Texas when the conditions are ripe. If you see a group of them before they bloom, the group can dress up as smoky, rolled offerings that rest in your humidor. This deception has earned her the seductive nickname “Devil’s Cigar”.
It is said that when the Devil’s cigar unrolls, it emits a strange hiss and a hazy cloud of spores.
If you do a mushroom hike through the Austin Nature Center on a humid December day, as Angel Schatz, a member of the Austin-based mycological organization, often does, you may find you have a mushroom enema.
“It’s rare in that it’s only found in very geographically specific areas, but it’s fairly easy to find in the right time of year,” Schatz told MySA.
Star mushroom found at the Austin Nature Center.
Angel sweetheart
After fertilizing a childhood of morel picking experiences with their grandfather in Mississippi, the Austinite rediscovered her passion for mushrooms before joining the leadership team at the Central Texas Mycological Society during the pandemic.
“There are so many wonderful things about mushrooms, something for everyone,” says Schatz, and goes on to go into the appeal from the culinary side to the ecological benefits and medicinal properties of many mushrooms.
As of 2019, the volunteer-run education organization has grown to 400 members across Texas, some of whom live across state lines. With a variety of online workshops and nature hiking opportunities, some members of the network were also instrumental in organizing to bring the star mushroom to its due.
Throughout the process, one member – who wishes to remain anonymous – documented the progress of the legislation to its victorious end on a Facebook page. In a live stream, you can follow the moment in which the devil’s cigar, with the help of the Republican Senator Dr. Donna Campbell has been updated. Across the country, only Oregon (Pacific Northern Chanterelle) and Minnesota (common morel) have applied to designate an official state mushroom. That summer, Texas became the third. It’s an exciting journey for the Texas mushrooms, first documented in Austin in 1893.
Like all things to wait for, you have to catch it at the right time and place if you want to see this native gem in bloom. From a narrow corridor that stretches south of San Antonio to north of the Oklahoma border, you can find the creature colonizing decaying cedar elm trees. In Japan, the fungus targets oaks.
“We don’t know whether there is something very special about these two species or whether there is something in the soil that makes them specific to the preference of this mushroom,” explains Schatz.
Star mushroom found at the Austin Nature Center.
Angel sweetheart
Attributing the lack of knowledge to funding deficits, the mushroom lover explains that one of the Central Texas Mycology Society’s long-term goals is to provide research funding to scientists interested in exploring the great mushroom mysteries of our time.
Until then, Texans can celebrate the state’s new official mushroom, which Schatz says is non-poisonous but not entirely edible. Instead, mushroom fans might be happier with a portobello-based dinner.
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