Can you identify this fungus - Ask Extension
I'm attaching three pictures of some kind of fungus which has started appearing in my garden. They all have appeared overnight, at the size they are i...
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Can you identify this fungus #840240
Asked July 12, 2023, 10:00 AM EDT
I'm attaching three pictures of some kind of fungus which has started appearing in my garden. They all have appeared overnight, at the size they are in the pictures. They don't appear to start small and grow, and don't seem to be getting larger than when they first appear.
My garden is fenced to keep out both large animals (I live adjacent to Crego Park, so I get Deer, turkeys and other large animals) and the fence keeps out rabbits and moles (the fence extends underground about a foot). The only animals which can get into my yard are the occasional squirrel.
My cat roams the yard, and I'm hoping these growths are not potentially harmful to her (although she isn't showing any interest in them, and I scoop them up and discard them when they first appear.)
I would appreciate any information you can give me in identifying these things, and letting me know if I should be concerned about them, if I should be treating them to get rid of them and/or prevent more of them from appearing.
Most of my garden beds are populated with ornamental plants, but I do have an area where I grow vegetables (Although so far, these things have not appeared in the vegetable garden area.) But I'm wondering if I should be concerned about eating the vegetables which are growing in proximity to these (apparent) fungi.
Thanks very much for your consideration.
Mike Rogell
Lansing, MI
Ingham County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello,
Based on what I see in your images - Check out the below information:
Recent wet weather can lead to growth of a decidedly unattractive slime mold on landscape mulch. The scientific name of the mold is Fuligo septicai, but it is more commonly referred to as “dog vomit slime mold” or “dog vomit fungus.” Check out: Dog Vomit Slime Mold, Fuligo septica - A Horticulture Information article from the Wisconsin Master Gardener website at this link: https://mastergardener.extension.wisc.edu/files/2015/12/DogVomitSlimeMold.pdf
The mold will initially appear as a bright yellow mass, sometimes called the “scrambled egg fungus,” which is the beginning of its fruiting state. The mold then turns into a tan or brown mass that leads to its other common name. From a landscape health perspective, Michigan State University Extension assures dog vomit slime mold is strictly an aesthetic issue. The slime mold is saprophytic (feeds on dead material) and does not harm plants. The spores are widespread, and they usually appear in mulch in spring or early summer after soaking rains. Homeowners or landscapers may want to scoop up the offending masses in order to tidy up beds, but otherwise, no control is warranted. From the MSUE article: Unsightly slime mold sighting on landscape mulch- Bert Cregg, Michigan State University Extension, Departments of Horticulture and Forestry - June 20, 2013 - Wet weather brings out “dog vomit” slime mold in landscape mulch. More information in this article at this link: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/unsightly_slime_mold_sighting_on_landscape_mulch
I hope this helps!
Based on what I see in your images - Check out the below information:
Recent wet weather can lead to growth of a decidedly unattractive slime mold on landscape mulch. The scientific name of the mold is Fuligo septicai, but it is more commonly referred to as “dog vomit slime mold” or “dog vomit fungus.” Check out: Dog Vomit Slime Mold, Fuligo septica - A Horticulture Information article from the Wisconsin Master Gardener website at this link: https://mastergardener.extension.wisc.edu/files/2015/12/DogVomitSlimeMold.pdf
The mold will initially appear as a bright yellow mass, sometimes called the “scrambled egg fungus,” which is the beginning of its fruiting state. The mold then turns into a tan or brown mass that leads to its other common name. From a landscape health perspective, Michigan State University Extension assures dog vomit slime mold is strictly an aesthetic issue. The slime mold is saprophytic (feeds on dead material) and does not harm plants. The spores are widespread, and they usually appear in mulch in spring or early summer after soaking rains. Homeowners or landscapers may want to scoop up the offending masses in order to tidy up beds, but otherwise, no control is warranted. From the MSUE article: Unsightly slime mold sighting on landscape mulch- Bert Cregg, Michigan State University Extension, Departments of Horticulture and Forestry - June 20, 2013 - Wet weather brings out “dog vomit” slime mold in landscape mulch. More information in this article at this link: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/unsightly_slime_mold_sighting_on_landscape_mulch
I hope this helps!
