Knowledgebase
Fungi on Mulberry Tree #819484
Asked January 30, 2023, 7:15 PM EST
Our several years old mulberry tree has 2 fungi growing on its trunk. These are growing on a trunk where a branch was removed. The 2 fungi look like Chinese hats; the larger one is a couple inches across. The tree roots at the bottom of the tree are bright orange, is that related to the fungi? What should we do to the fungi and/or the tree?
Jefferson County Texas
Expert Response
Thank you for your question!
To get a better idea of what you are seeing could you send over some photos of the fungi on your mulberry tree?
Good morning! To follow up on your questions, root and heartwood tissue for mulberry does indeed have a yellow/orange tint. So that looks normal.
The shrooms are saprophytic fungi, feeding on a damaged and decaying interior pith. Usually, spores enter through exposed wounds into the sapwood or heartwood of the tree. For an interesting read on the subject check out: https://apps.fs.usda.gov/r6_decaid/views/stem_decay.html#:~:text=Saprots%20and%20other%20saprophytic%20wood,into%20trees%20by%20excavating%20insects.
What to do? Nothing really. At the point where you see fungal fruiting bodies (in this case Mushrooms), the internal damage to the tree is already done. In general, mulberry tends to be a short-lived tree. But…while such mushrooms may be a sign of past prime maturity, the tree may live many more years in the landscape. I tend to say, if the tree is not a hazard, where branches may fall and could cause damage or injury, then just leave it be. Keeping it there will serve wildlife as a food source and habitat.
