What fungi are these - Ask Extension
Good morning,
What fungi are these? They have been popping up in my keyhole garden. Are they bad for my plants? I know I need to mulch but I’m wo...
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What fungi are these #801301
Asked July 15, 2022, 11:58 AM EDT
Good morning,
What fungi are these? They have been popping up in my keyhole garden. Are they bad for my plants? I know I need to mulch but I’m wondering if this garden is a lost cause. The herbs all wintered over and seem to be thriving but I definitely won’t use it for nightshades anymore. It just doesn’t feel like things are thriving as much as they are in the ground.
I live in the wet soggy NW shadow of Marys peak.
Thanks,
Ruby Buchanan
Lincoln County Oregon
Expert Response
These are not true fungi but are slime molds. The brownish one is called Dog Vomit slime mold for obvious reasons. The yellowish one is probably Tapioca slime mold. Both are regularly seen in Oregon.
Slime molds are not harmful to plants. They feed on decaying matter, fungi, or bacteria. If you want, you can just rake them out or mix in with the soil.
Slime molds are not harmful to plants. They feed on decaying matter, fungi, or bacteria. If you want, you can just rake them out or mix in with the soil.
