Stinkhorn Fungus in Utah Lawn

Identification

• The stinkhorn is also known as Mutinus caninus and is a fungus that produces spores for reproduction. These spores are carried on the wind and transmitted through water. Utah homeowners may find stinkhorns growing on their lawns, in flower beds and in mulch. Since damp, rainy weather favors fungal growth, stinkhorn occurs most commonly during this time and comes in a wide range of colors and shapes.

Effects

• Stinkhorn fungi may occur in lawns as red, tubular-shaped growths. These growths begin in an egg shape and remain under soil or mulch until its spores reach maturity. Stinkhorn emits a foul-smelling odor from the sticky spores on the top of the fungal growth.

Control

• Stinkhorn fungi are difficult to eliminate and actually play an important environmental role. Fungi are important to plant health because they help bacteria break down compounds, keeping the soil rich. This fungus is usually less active when the weather is warm and dry.