Stinkhorns

Stinkhorns are a fungus that can appear in mulch, lawns and areas with bare soil. They get their name from their smelly foul odor. Once you find one you will never forget the smell. They do not cause plant disease and are actually quite beneficial because plants can benefit from their presence. The Stinkhorn fungi breakdown decomposing material and the plants use it for nourishment. The reason they are not welcome to most is because of the smell they release.

Stinkhorns open from a white globe that’s mostly under the Earth’s surface. The small globe is about the size of a golf ball and can be referred to as a witch’s egg. An orange or white finger-like stem protrudes through the globe. It can grow rapidly within a few hours up to 6 inches tall from the rapid take up of water.

The spore sacs emit a green slime that attracts flies and beetles to the area. The insects feed on the mushroom and take the spores wherever they land.

Stinkhorn fungi will eventually go away on their own. Unfortunately, there are no chemicals or sprays that are effective in removing Stinkhorn fungi. To control stinkhorns from showing up remove any dead roots, underground stumps, and sawdust left behind from grinding stumps. The fungus can also grow on decomposing hardwood mulch.

You can read more about Stinkhorns from the University of Wisconsin-Madison by clicking here.