Knowledgebase

What is the ?fungi #778953

Asked December 10, 2021, 12:59 PM EST

Hi! What is this and do I need to worry?

Clackamas County Oregon

Expert Response

Greetings,

Thank you for reaching out to Extension.  To best assist, can you please confirm what these are on? What kind of plant/tree? We don't want to guess based on the close up image.

Thank you!

Warm Regards,  Replied December 10, 2021, 1:27 PM EST
Thank you!  That’s picture it’s on a live sword fern and a leaf from a sweet gum tree.  It seems to be mostly on leaves and wood in my yard.  Freaks me out that it’s on a live plant.
From: askextension=<personal data hidden> <askextension=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Friday, December 10, 2021 10:27:54 AM
To: hazeltheowl <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: What is the ?fungi (#0048884)
 
The Question Asker Replied December 10, 2021, 1:50 PM EST
Thank you for the images.

This looks very much like what's called a slime mold. As such, it won't damage your plants or anything else.

Please send me several more images that provide a more generalized view of the affected plants and other items, among them these:
1. The entire sword fern that shows the affected portion(s).
2. The entire sweet gum leaf, if you still have it. Include images of both the top surface and the reverse.
3. An image or two of the affected leaves and wood in your garden.

Notice that you can only upload 3 images with a reply. But you may send as many replies as needed.

I look forward to seeing your additional images.
Jean R. Natter; Master Gardener Diagnostician (metro counties, Oregon) Replied December 15, 2021, 6:23 PM EST

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