Knowledgebase
What is growing in this soil? #759119
Asked June 29, 2021, 3:57 PM EDT
Deschutes County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi Ashley, I cannot see the photo well enough, a close-up would be better, but it looks like a pink slime mold, probably one of the Lycogala epidendrum species. Here is some information on slime molds: https://extension.psu.edu/what-is-growing-in-my-landscape-mulch-mushrooms-slime-molds-and-fungus
In response to your question about its safety, I would not be able to address that unless we got a better id through additional photos and perhaps one of our plant disease specialist to confirm its id.
I was asked to assist with this question. The only way to confirm the diagnosis is to get a sample and view it under the microscope. (That would be $75+ fee at the OSU Plant Clinic.) I don't think that is necessary in this case. The world is filled with many different organisms and I have never heard of these organisms being a problem. They will not be pathogenic to the herbs and as long as you rinse/wash the plants before use, will not be a problem for you.