Stinkhorn Mushrooms: A Guide for Curious Gardeners
What Are Stinkhorn Mushrooms?
Stinkhorn mushrooms are a type of fungus that gets its name from its distinctive odor, which resembles rotting meat. They are typically reddish-orange in color and can range in shape from a wiffle ball to an octopus. Despite their unpleasant smell, stinkhorn mushrooms are not harmful to plants or humans. In fact, they play a beneficial role in the ecosystem by breaking down organic matter into nutrients that plants can use.
Identifying Stinkhorn Mushrooms
Stinkhorn mushrooms are easy to identify due to their unique appearance and smell. They typically emerge from the ground in the spring or fall and have a slimy, olive-green coating on their fruiting bodies. The spores are contained within the fruiting bodies, which are dispersed when flies eat them and then carry them to other areas.
How to Get Rid of Stinkhorn Mushrooms
While stinkhorn mushrooms are not harmful, many people find their odor offensive. Unfortunately, there are no effective chemicals or sprays that can be used to remove them. However, there are a few control measures that can help prevent them from coming back:
- Remove organic matter: Stinkhorn mushrooms grow on rotting organic matter, so removing stumps, dead roots, and sawdust can help reduce their population.
- Replace hardwood mulch: Hardwood mulch can also attract stinkhorn mushrooms, so consider replacing it with pine needles, straw, or chopped leaves.
- Use live groundcovers: Live groundcovers can help prevent stinkhorn mushrooms from growing by shading the soil and reducing moisture levels.
- Dig up the eggs: Stinkhorn mushrooms start their lives as underground, egg-shaped structures. Digging up these eggs before they have a chance to produce fruiting bodies can help control their spread.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are stinkhorn mushrooms poisonous?
A: No, stinkhorn mushrooms are not poisonous to humans or animals. However, their unpleasant odor can make them unappetizing.
Q: Why do stinkhorn mushrooms smell so bad?
A: Stinkhorn mushrooms emit their odor to attract flies, which help disperse their spores. The smell is caused by a combination of volatile organic compounds, including sulfur-containing compounds.
Q: How long do stinkhorn mushrooms last?
A: Stinkhorn mushrooms are seasonal and typically only last for a few weeks. They will eventually decompose on their own, but many people prefer to remove them due to their odor.
Additional Tips
- If you find stinkhorn mushrooms in your garden, try to remove them as soon as possible to prevent them from spreading.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after handling stinkhorn mushrooms, as the spores can be spread through contact.
- If the odor from stinkhorn mushrooms is particularly strong, you may want to close your windows and doors to keep it out of your home.
