Asked on Aug 20, 2014

What is this growing in my garden?

Karma13
by Karma13
I found this today while I was weeding, which is why some are still there. I noticed flies were attracted to the area, and I honestly thought there was a dead mouse or bird. When I pulled the weeds away this is what I found. It smells awful, and like I said the flies love it. Looks like some kind of fungus. How do I treat it so it doesnt spread?
Found next to the fence I share with a neighbor.
  6 answers
  • Carole Carole on Aug 20, 2014
    You can buy fungicide sprays but they may be in a larger quantity than you want or need. I imagine that if you have had a lot of rain and damp weather, this is the cause of it. Nothing to worry about. When you have drier weather it will die off naturally unless there is something keeping this area constantly moist. Fungi love a moist environment. Dry weather and good drainage will sort this problem out.
  • That is a fungi that is taking advantage of a darker, damp environment. One of thousands that can be found in the strangest places. Any bath mold and mildew cleaner should prevent it from growing. Just wet it down, remove and wet again. Eventually you will see it begin to decay the fence if its left alone.
  • Judy Grecco Judy Grecco on Aug 21, 2014
    I believe it is a type of mushroom/fungus that is called a Stinkhorn, that is why it attracts flies. It is unusual and you don't see it often, but there are many varieties.
  • Juanita Juanita on Aug 21, 2014
    I have had these and wondered what they were. I thought it might be some type of mushroom. Thanks for the post.
  • Douglas Hunt Douglas Hunt on Aug 21, 2014
    Yes, looks like a stinkhorn to me as well.
    • See 3 previous
    • Douglas Hunt Douglas Hunt on Aug 30, 2014
      @Sue Beaty Try to post a photo. I wouldn't worry too much about your pets. They generally have a sense about such things.
  • Karma13 Karma13 on Aug 21, 2014
    Thank you all for answering my question. I appreciate it.