Mushroom Description FRUITING BODIES large, roundish in shape, up to 5-6 inches in diameter; tan to tannish brown, breaking up into large scale-like patches upon expansion; splitting into irregular star-like lobes or rays, usually with 4-6 rays. PERIDIUM or rind very thick, tan. GLEBA (interior or spore mass) marbled purple brown even when very young, becoming blackish brown and dusty as spores mature. (Photograph Copyright@1997 by Dr. Larry Grand)

Scleroderma geaster, Dead Man's Hand, Devils Snuff Box, Earthstar Scleroderma

"Poisonous Plants of North Carolina," Dr. Alice B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science; Dr. James W. Hardin, Botany; Dr. Larry Grand, Plant Pathology; and Dr. Angela Fraser, Family and Consumer Sciences; North Carolina State University. All Pictures Copyright @1997Alice B. Russell, James W. Hardin, Larry Grand. Computer programming, Miguel A. Buendia; graphics, Brad Capel.

Disclaimer: The list of poisonous plants on this web site does not necessarily include every poisonous plant that is known, or that might be found in an urban landscape or home. North Carolina State University does not advise eating any of the plants included in this web site. The information concerning edibility is taken from the literature, and the degree of reliability is unknown. We discourage the use of any of these plants for self medication. In cases of accidental exposure or ingestion, contact the Carolina's Poison Center at 1-800-848-6946, PO Box 32861 Charlotte, NC 28232-2861. If not in North Carolina contact your local poison control center or a physician.