Fungus in My Landscape

Identification

• Brightly colored yellow or orange slime in flower beds and lawns is known as slime mold. This type of fungus ranges from a few inches to several feet in diameter and is considered a nuisance fungus. Another nuisance fungus is the stinkhorn fungus, which often occurs in mulched areas and produces a foul odor. The stinkhorn fungus is often bright red or white and has black spores on the tip which are responsible for the pungent odor.

Cause

• Prolonged periods of wet, rainy weather is favorable for the development of fungus in the landscape. For this reason, most nuisance fungi develops during the warm, wet summer months.

Control

• Slime molds are not harmful and do not need to be removed. However, many homeowners wish to remove this fungus and often do so by raking it and disposing of it. Stinkhorn fungus is not easily removed and multiply rapidly. To prevent fungal development in mulched areas, place composted mulch low in wood content in your flower beds.