As it matures, it pushed up through the soil and the other layer of the spore case (exoperidium) splits open to form between 5 and 8 rays that curve downward.

Unlike other similar earthstar fungi, the edges of this pore are not sharply delimited from the rest of the spore sac, and do not have grooves.

[3] Similar species include G. saccatum, which is larger – up to 5 cm (2 in) across – and has a clearly delimited ring-like area around the pore opening.

[3] Geastrum fimbriatum is a saprobic species,[5] and it fruit bodies grow on the ground in groups or clusters, usually near the stumps of hardwood trees.

[11] Although typically listed by field guides as an inedible species,[5] it is eaten by the tribal peoples of Madhya Pradesh.