If you’re looking for the easiest mushrooms to grow in fall, there is some very tasty competition. What’s more, this time of year is perfect for starting, as fall’s natural climate carries the load. Harvests come easy, flavors stay bold, and whether you’re just starting out or already experienced, the process feels simple and satisfying.

Many of the easiest mushrooms flourish in fall’s cool climate, and damp conditions support their natural fruiting routine. These crops help to extend the edible garden beyond the first frost – and give you an exciting opportunity to create something impactful and daring for the dinner table. When you understand how to grow mushrooms, you can quickly turn basic substrates into savory, gourmet yields.

Beginner mushrooms benefit from fall’s stable weather, which minimizes contamination risks for first-time cultivators. Kits and simple tools make starting a breeze, even in limited spaces. Even urban gardeners can transform the smallest of areas, like a basement nook or shaded patio, into productive patches for meaty harvests. Here are 7 of the best mushrooms to grow in fall, with straightforward techniques suited to the season.

Growing Mushrooms in Fall: What You Need

Mushrooms thrive on 80-95% humidity, 50-75°F (10-24°C) temperatures, and dim light or shade. Indoors, you need a basement with a humidifier, like the Dreo Smart Humidifier from Amazon. You also need a still air box to keep mushrooms spotless, though a laminar flowhood adds pro-grade cleanliness for bigger runs.

Growing mushrooms outdoors, shaded beds of straw or fresh wood chips do the job, but fickle weather can botch inoculation – sterility is still key. Ready-to-fruit kits are easiest, and only require you to cut the bag and keep it clean. This is best for starters, while DIYers use agar, liquid culture, wooden spawn plugs and grain spawn. Spore-to-spawn requires razor-sharp sterile technique to dodge devastation.

For wood-loving mushrooms like oyster, lion’s mane, pioppino and chestnut, you need a mix of aspen shavings and pure oak pellets to fuel strong mycelium. Portobellos prefer composted manure or straw, while wine caps win out on fresh, bacteria-packed wood chips and compost. Whichever route you take, make sure you also have gloves, alcohol wipes, a misting bottle, and a thermometer like the ThermoPro TP50 Digital Hygrometer from Amazon to keep the setup tight.

Choosing the Right Mushroom Kits

Mushroom kits simplify cultivation for novices, offering pre-inoculated substrates that fruit with minimal effort. Oyster and lion’s mane are good for indoor spaces, needing only a spray bottle, like the Flairosol Botanica Plant Mister from Amazon that has an ultra-fine mist, and a cool, shaded corner.

Shiitake kits thrive in basements, while portobello kits work well in trays for garage or patio setups. Wine cap spawn excels in outdoor beds with fresh wood chips. Select kits based on your space – indoor for control, outdoor for larger yields.

Kits cut the complexity out of the process, delivering gourmet mushrooms in 2-6 weeks with basic care, perfect for fall’s forgiving conditions. There are plenty of kits available – but I especially love North Spore Organic’s Lion’s Mane Mushroom Spray & Grow Kit from Amazon, and Forest Origins’ Pink Oyster Mushroom Grow Kit from Amazon, for their simplicity and reliable results. The Gardening Know How Team also loves the Back to the Roots mushroom kits, also available from Amazon…

1. Oyster Mushrooms

Oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus spp.) like to burst out on aspen shavings and oak pellets, or pasteurized straw, fruiting in 2-4 weeks at 60-70°F (16-21°C) with 85-95% humidity and soft light. Kits keep it dead simple for rookies, just needing a spray bottle and a shady nook.

An oyster mushroom’s nutty, buttery kick amps up stir-fries or pastas, ideal for apartment growers. A still air box ensures clean transfers, pumping out pearl, blue, or pink oysters for quick harvests. Outdoors, these mushrooms thrive on hardwood logs like oak or maple in shaded beds. These are some of the easiest mushrooms to grow.

2. Lion’s Mane

Lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) sprouts shaggy, white clusters on aspen shavings and oak pellets at 65-75°F (18-24°C) with 90% humidity. Kits make indoor growing a breeze, just needing a damp corner and low light.

Lion’s mane’s lobster-esque flavor pops in creamy soups or seared as a meat swap, perfect for health nuts chasing brain boosts. Outdoors, hardwood logs like beech or oak in shady spots work very well.

3. Wine Cap

Wine caps (Stropharia rugosoannulata) grow beefy, reddish-brown caps in outdoor beds of fresh, bacteria-rich wood chips, compost, or soil. Indoor growing is trickier due to space and substrate demands. These mushrooms fruit at 50-70°F (10-21°C) in shaded spots.

Outdoor beds are great, but indoors you need bacteria-laced mulch ready to roll. The earthy depth of wine caps shine grilled or sautéed. Outdoors, fresh hardwood chips like oak or poplar boost rich, hearty yields.

4. Shiitake

This is another easy beginner mushroom. At 60–70°F (16–21°C), 80–90% humidity, and low light, shiitakes (Lentinula edodes) push out their caps on oak pellets or hardwood logs. They are usually fruiting within 3–6 weeks.

If you’re new to mushroom growing, ready-to-fruit kits simplify the process. These umami-heavy caps lift risottos or stir-fries, and they are great for patient growers with basement space. Soaking logs overnight sparks faster fruiting. Outdoors, oak or maple logs in shaded areas are ideal.

5. Portobello

Portobellos (Agaricus bisporus) grow on composted manure or straw at 65-75°F (18-24°C) with 90% humidity, fruiting in 4-6 weeks. Kits make indoor or outdoor grows easy, so all you need is a tray and steady misting.

Their meaty, savory bite rules, grilled or stuffed. Trays in a garage or shaded beds churn out hefty caps with little sweat. Outdoors, these mushrooms prefer compost-heavy beds over wood substrates.

6. Pioppino

Pioppino mushrooms (Agrocybe aegerita) have slim and slender stems. They also have nutty, peppery caps that pop up on aspen shavings and oak pellets. Usually, this happens in 3-5 weeks at 60-70°F (16-21°C) with 85-90% humidity and very soft light. Kits keep it low-fuss for those that are just starting out. You just need a misting bottle and a shady corner.

Their earthy zing sparks risottos or roasted veggie dishes. They are perfect for the small-space grower chasing bold flavors. Outdoors, hardwood logs like poplar or willow excel in shaded beds.

7. Chestnut

Chestnut mushrooms (Pholiota adiposa) grow golden-brown, meaty caps. They grow well with oak pellets or hardwood sawdust at 60-70°F (16-21°C) with 85-90% humidity and dim light. Meeting these conditions, chestnut mushrooms will fruit in approximately 3-6 weeks.

Chestnuts are quite low maintenance – they just need a damp nook. Their robust, slightly sweet flavor shines in sautés or soups. Outdoors, hardwood logs like oak or alder excel in shaded spots.

Harvesting Homegrown Mushrooms

You’ll know it’s harvest time when oyster caps start to level out, or when gills start to show on shiitake mushrooms, wine caps, pioppino, portobellos, and chestnut varieties. With lion’s mane, you can harvest when the ‘teeth’ are about ¼ in (6mm) long. Depending on the variety, that stage usually comes 2-6 weeks after pinning.

Don’t cut your mushroom – just give a gentle twist at the base, so the mycelium stays healthy and you can pull a few more rounds from the same block. Paper bags in the fridge, at 35-40°F (2-4°C), will keep harvests good for a week or two. Alternatively, a dehydrator like the Corsori Food Dehydrator from Amazon, set low at 110°F (43·C), will dry them for long-term storage.

Cooking is where they really shine, though. Oysters turn into buttery taco filling. Lion’s mane cooks dense and meaty, like steak. Shiitake soaks up soy for stir-fries, while portobellos grill beautifully with olive oil and herbs. Pioppino adds a subtle bite to risotto, and chestnuts bring a deep, sweet flavor to soups.

Remember These Tips for Success

Hopefully, this has given you plenty of inspiration to make a confident start on your way to delicious homegrown mushrooms. Just remember:

• Hold humidity steady at 80–95%, misting daily and running a small fan for light airflow to keep conditions balanced.
• Don’t put mycelium in direct sunlight – it burns out fast. Instead, give it shade or a dim corner with 6–12 hours of gentle light.
• Strange odors, slimy spots, or bright colors are warning signs. Green or black mold is a sign of contamination. However, if you see white fuzz or ropey threads, this is good as it means the mycelium is healthy.
• Sterilize tools with 70% alcohol and use a still air box or flowhood for clean work. Overwatering tanks substrates, so mist only when dry.
• Outdoor inoculation can crash with weather swings, so time wine cap beds for early fall and mulch to block pests. Temps spiking past 75°F (24°C) stall fruiting, so monitor closely.
• Add a diluted liquid seaweed fertilizer (or dilute a concentrate such as TPS Nutrients Seaweed Fertilizer Premium Organic Liquid Kelp from Amazon) post-first flush boosts later yields. Lock in your setup, and these mushrooms will spin scraps into gourmet feasts by winter.

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Mushrooms in garden beds, popping up from garden soil or nestled elsewhere on lawns, are like little flags – alerting you to other things happening underground. These fungi pop up for a reason, hinting at whether your soil’s buzzing with life or dealing with sneaky issues. Some mushrooms can actually be a very good sign, indicating fertile dirt, while others can spell bad news.

“So why are mushrooms growing in my garden?” you may well be asking. Mushrooms tie into the big picture of soil health, breaking down old plant bits and feeding crops. Knowing more about mushrooms in the garden gives you a fascinating organic way to read the signs – and tweak your gardening moves. Sometimes mushrooms growing in garden bed areas and lawns can mean healthy soil. At other times, they can be an indicator that you need to dig deeper. Let’s unpack what mushrooms are telling you about your garden soil, lawns or compost – and what you can do next.

Why Mushrooms Matter in Gardens

Mushrooms in garden soil spill the dirt on what’s happening below. Some types like shaggy mane (aka shaggy inkcap, lawyer’s wig or Coprinus) can point to lively, fertile soil. Others like honey fungus (Armillaria) can flag up root rot. Often, mushrooms in the garden mean healthy soil – although it depends where they pop up. Their appearance in lawns, beds or compost can tell a slightly different story.

Judging the overall quality of your garden soil will depend on other factors, of course, such as your USDA region, specific ground issues, and any particular garden irrigation system you may have in place. But observing the mushrooms you have growing, where you see them, and what they could indicate, will all help you in ascertaining soil health – and deciding how you address any underlying problems.

Mushrooms as Soil Health Clues

Mushrooms show up when fungi in the soil get to work. They’re the fruiting parts of mycelium, a web of threads chewing through dead leaves, wood or grass. Seeing them often means your soil is alive with microbes, which are busy turning all manner of junk into plant food. Take those shaggy manes or inkcaps (Coprinus). They love rich, organic soil, perfect for growing peppers or beans.

But some mushrooms wave a warning. Certain gatherings of honey-colored clusters could point to root rot, especially if any trees or shrubs nearby also look sickly. So mushrooms are a first clue to help point you in the right direction. But you will need to be willing to dig deeper and get to know your soil’s full story in order to act smart.

It’s worth testing soil near mushroom activity to help give you a better read on what is going on down below. You can use a moisture meter, like my favorite 4-in-1 from Amazon, in areas near where you spot any mushrooms in flower beds, or dotted along path edges or in lawn groupings. This will help you figure out a bit more detail about soil conditions and pin down what’s sparking those mushrooms in each spot.

The Role of Fungi in Soil Health

Fungi are your soil’s cleanup squad. They digest stuff like wood scraps, turning it into food your plants can take up. Mycorrhizal types, team up with roots, helping them snag water and phosphorus. In areas where you are growing vegetables or fruits, knowing that the earth is loaded with these extra elements can mean you are able to grow tougher crops without piling on extra fertilizer.

A little caution needs to be exercised, though, when you spot mushrooms in the garden soil, whether in beds where you may be thinking of growing veg or herbs, or around shrubs or trees that you are hoping to cultivate for fruits. Yes, mushrooms can mean healthy soil – if they are types that thrive in rich mulch. They can keep soil fertile by recycling organic matter.

However, too many mushrooms in wet spots can hint at soggy, compacted dirt. Keep an eye out for mushroom clumps growing in low areas. It’s a sign to check drainage, and soil compaction. You can alleviate the risks of soil compaction by regularly turning and digging the soil.

For comfortable digging and edging, try the Expert Gardener Fiberglass D-Handle Garden Spade from Walmart. You may also find it helps to regularly use a rotovator such as the Garden Weasel 2-in-1 Rotary Cultivator and Hand Tiller from Amazon to help aerate and loosen up the soil.

Mushrooms in Different Garden Spots

In order to help you decide if you need to do anything to improve your garden soil, take time to assess exactly where your mushrooms are growing. The presence of fungi can mean different things, depending on where they grow. Here are some common spots to find mushrooms growing in garden corners:

• In lawns, fairy rings from Marasmius oreades often mean healthy, organic-rich soil. However, circles can point to uneven water flow, so it’s worth taking soil samples.
• In garden beds, puffballs like Lycoperdon show good breakdown, which is great for zucchini or kale plants as well as other crops.
• In compost, the appearance of wine caps (Stropharia rugosoannulata) is a great sign as these mushrooms love fresh piles, signaling your compost’s cooking nicely.
• In mulch, bird’s nest fungi (Nidulariaceae), which look like miniature nests, can mean active decay, feeding your soil.
• However, mushroom patches near trees could scream root rot, especially if you notice that any plants drooping. Although mushrooms do not cause it directly, they may well indicate a pathogen in the soil.

When Mushrooms Could Spell Trouble

Some mushroom sightings can indicate problems down below, though that does not mean you should be alarmed – you just need to investigate further, and possibly make some changes. Here are a few spots that ought to encourage you to take further steps:

• Honey fungus (Armillaria mellea), as mentioned before, with their honey-colored caps, can indicate root rot, hitting woody plants like roses or maples. Dig around roots for white, stringy mycelium if you see those mushrooms. Use a shovel like the Radius Garden Shovel from Lowe’s to help with digging around roots.
• False parasols (Chlorophyllum molybdites), also known as the green-spored parasol or lawn mushroom, can show up in soggy, compacted dirt, and this points to drainage troubles. Take steps to dig, aerate, or treat the earth. Alternatively, use raised beds where soils are really badly drained. The Gardening Know How team loves the Vego range of raised beds, available at Amazon.
• If you spot a ton of mushrooms in wet beds, this can indicate bad aeration or waterlogged soil. You can try breaking up the earth with a hand fork or cultivator like the Fiskars Ergo Cultivator from Amazon for direct manual intervention.
• Some, like many of the species of Amanita, can poison pets or kids. They can be red, yellow or white, and often have crusty warts on their caps. If you suspect you have some of these on your hands, pull them out quickly. It’s a good idea to wear gloves like Trifabricy Leather Gardening Gloves from Amazon just to be on the safe side.

Benefits of Mushrooms for Soil and Plants

Apart from the specific problem cases outlined above, mushrooms on the whole can pack some real wins for your garden. Saprophytic kinds chew up dead bits, tossing nutrients into the soil for crops like lettuce or carrots. Mycorrhizal types, linked to Boletus, buddy up with roots, letting tomatoes or beans soak up water and food, so you don’t need as much fertilizer.

Fungal threads knit soil together, keeping the structure loose and better able to hold water. Mushrooms also pull in helpful bugs like beetles which gobble pest larvae. Spread some organic mulch, like Scotts Nature Scapes Mulch from Amazon, to help keep the good stuff flowing. Just keep your eye on the ground – don’t let it get too soggy, or else you might be asking for trouble!

Other Ways to Help Boost Soil

Adding a layer of mulch to your garden soil is a great way to improve its condition. Over time, it can help not only with drainage but also with structure, boosting the presence of air pockets and leading to a more crumbly consistency. For an organic mulching option, try Back to the Roots Organic Premium Mulch from Amazon.

Adding compost is another great way to improve the condition of your soil, and hopefully you have some sort of composting routine in play in a corner of your yard. The Vivosun Outdoor Tumbling Composter from Amazon is a great option for bulk rotations. And if you want to add some more mushroom goodness into your garden, how about some Espoma Organic Mushroom Compost from Amazon? This is great as a top dressing and as a potting booster for container gardening.

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Growing mushrooms on logs presents you with a chance to make something that is fun, nutritious and just a little bit otherworldly. For anyone used to shop-bought buttons, it’s a revelation to sample your own homegrown fungi. You’d be amazed at the variety possible in terms of texture, shape and taste. Knowing how to grow mushrooms on logs does involve a measure of trial and error, but think of it like having your own little science project. Even the things that don’t go completely to plan can be entertaining and educational.

Allowing for the fact that mushroom growing is often about the beauty of the random and the unique, there are certainly some mushroom varieties you can cultivate happily with minimum fuss and technique. All you need is shade, moisture and time, and pretty soon you’ll be rewarded with some extraordinary culinary creations. It can take anything from a few months to a year or more for the first fruits of your labor, so you will have to be patient. Other than that, it’s all about picking the right variety for the job. Here, we round up the best mushrooms for logs, so you can be sure of a host of tasty, fleshy treats.

5 Best Fungi When Growing Mushrooms On Logs

The best fungi to grow on logs rely on a dark, damp environment and a natural proclivity for the conditions that wood can provide. There are some mushroom types, such as portobello and button, which are happiest growing in compost. But those featured below will happily flourish on hardwood logs. Choosing the right logs for growing mushrooms is important. Oaks and hard maples, for instance, have a dense consistency, which suits these mushroom types. They also contain a high concentration of nutrients favored by the following fungi, allowing for more generous harvests over a greater number of years. 

Make sure the wood is as fresh as possible, and inoculate the log within a few weeks (ideally, two weeks is preferred so conditions are as sterile as possible). You can buy plugs already impregnated with spawn for inserting into the log. Leave logs in a shady, damp corner. If you use log kits, follow any mushroom log instructions carefully. Then monitor humidity and airflow levels, and saturate with water regularly for the best results. Below are the most resilient and adaptable varieties for growing mushrooms on logs. 

1. Shiitake

Shiitake mushrooms are lovely options for beginners, and are especially suited to life growing on logs. They have a fabulously meaty texture and a buttery, earthy taste. Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) are generally considered some of the easiest to grow on logs because they are aggressive and can develop in a relatively broad range of temperatures. High-density log types will generally guarantee the most fruitful returns. 

Growing shiitake mushrooms on logs can take several months at the beginning, and it isn’t unusual for the first harvests to take a couple of years, so don’t lose heart. Shiitake fungi are great for drying, which means they are easy to store once harvested. They have a long shelf life, too, and can fruit for as long as eight years.

Grow with: Oak, beech, hornbeam, sweet gum and hard maple.

2. Lion’s Mane

Lion’s mane is an easygoing mushroom variety that works well for log growing. These distinctively spherical mushrooms with their long, fluffy gills fruit readily. Also known as bearded hedgehog or old man’s beard, lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus) is often described as having a taste and texture comparable to lobster. As long as you pick the right type of log, these mushrooms are reliable producers during the fall months. 

If you’re after the fastest fruits, lion’s mane might not be the obvious place to start, as they can take between 12-36 months to harvest. Still, they are well worth your time, with their delicious, subtle flavors. Choose the largest logs possible, and they achieve impressively large sizes (up to 16in/40cm), so they can be sliced into generous discs for pan frying.  

Grow with: Beech, hornbeam, hard maple, mulberry and oak.

3. Oyster

Creating oyster mushroom logs can be a lot of fun, and there are stacks of oyster varieties to play with, including Italian, king, pearl, snow, yellow, blue and pink. Mild and sweet, these fat and frilly fungi beasts can be enjoyed raw or cooked, making them surprisingly versatile in the kitchen. And while they are commonly grown using coffee grounds, they are ideal choices for log-based activity, as long as you use hardwood varieties. Hardy and relatively quick to develop, they are also adaptable to temperatures from 50-86°F (10-30°C).    

When you grow oysters (Pleurotus ostreatus), you’ll find they are vigorous and can develop rapidly if exposed to the right (warm and humid) conditions. Indeed, pink oysters have been known to reach maturity in just a month. With flavors ranging from seafood (snow) and nutty (yellow) to licorice (Italian), oysters offer a broad base of fascinating culinary pleasures. 

Grow with: Beech, hard maple, oak, mulberry, willow, birch and hornbeam.

4. Chicken of the Woods

Chicken of the woods looks like something from another planet, but is one of the most fun and flavorsome fungi you can try. Perhaps unsurprisingly, it is said to taste a bit like chicken. Growing chicken of the woods (Laetiporus sulphureus) on logs is slightly trickier in terms of log selection, and they are generally happiest with oak. Whatever you do, make sure the log you use is a healthy, fresh, sterile specimen. It’s also a good idea to ‘bag’ your log after inoculation and partially bury it for the best results. You will find that mushroom harvesting with this variety can take months from starting, but it is well worth your time. 

Grow with: Oak, though you could also try to grow it using green ash.

5. Chestnut

As well as being a delectable edible, chestnuts have a charming speckled appearance and a velvety texture. Growing mushrooms on logs is highly enjoyable, assuming the log selection is fresh and sterile. Chestnut mushrooms (Pholiota adiposa) can be grown on a range of tree types, including birch, hard maple and oak. As with chicken of the woods, it’s a good idea to partially bury the logs following colonization. This helps retain satisfactory levels of moisture. Chestnuts are generally considered to be best for mushroom growers who have experience growing one or two of the ‘easier’ types (like shiitake or oyster) on logs.  

Grow with: Birch, hard maple, oak, sweet gum, ash, cherry, hornbeam, mulberry and willow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Crystal brain fungus may sound like something from a horror movie, but it's nothing to fear. This jelly fungus (with the Latin name of Myxarium nucleatum) looks a lot like frog spawn. Its fungal fruit bodies are gelatinous, watery and pale. They contain small, mineral inclusions.

Crystal brain is a common fungus in Europe but is also starting to appear in North America. It is frequently found rotting on the dead branches of broadleaf trees. Here's how to identify this peculiar fungus – and what to bear in mind if you see it cropping up in your garden.

Quick Crystal Brain Fungus Facts

• Botanical name – Myxarium nucleatum
• Height – Individual fruit bodies up to half an inch (1.5cm) high
• Spread – Individual fruit bodies 2in (5cm) wide, but fused bodies may be 4in (10cm) or more in diameter
• Sun exposure – Dries up in dry, hot weather
• Soil requirements – Not applicable
• Hardiness zones – Not applicable
• When to plant – Not applicable

What is Crystal Brain Fungus?

Crystal brain is a jelly fungus that lives on hardwood that is dead or damaged, rotting the wood. Crystal brain fungus is gelatinous, but it grows in as translucent-white fruiting bodies called basidiocarps. As a way of understanding these types of fungi, they start as single pustules which fuse to form irregular sheet-like masses. These are up to 8in (20cm) long, 2in (5 cm) wide, and ⅓in (1cm) tall. As crystal brain fungus ages, it first turns pink and finally goes brown. 

This jelly fungus is common in Europe but it (or a similar fungus) is also found in North America, where it’s known as granular jelly roll. As well as the scientific name Myxarium nucleatum, other botanical names you might see used for these fungi include Exidia nucleata, Naematelia nucleata and Tremella nucleata.

Where Crystal Brain Fungus Grows

This jelly fungus lives on dead and decaying hardwood branches or trunks. It is most commonly found on sycamore trees, as well as beech trees and ash. You might also find crystal brain growing on the likes of alder trees, willows, hawthorns, elms, oak trees and elders.

How Crystal Brain Fungus Grows

Crystal brain fungus first appears on dead wood as scattered, gelatinous fruit bodies. They might be up to 0.2in (5mm) in diameter and are usually colorless, but may be white.

While mineral inclusions can be seen in the pustules, the fruit bodies do not remain scattered very long. They meld into masses that look like sheets (or brains) up to 2.5in (6cm) across. These masses darken with age and can dry out entirely, at which point they look like varnish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is that grand tree sitting just next to the house a menace? Fungus on a tree might indicate that it is. It is important that homeowners, arborists, and landscapers recognize the signs when a particular tree may present a hazard. There are different types of fungi on trees, so tree fungus identification is the first step.

Fungus That Grows on Trees

Fungus is used as a synonym for mushrooms, but mushrooms are actually the fruiting structures of the fungi. Most gardeners have observed mushrooms growing on trees. Is this dangerous? It can be, especially when it is widespread.

If your tree has fungal fruiting structures on several limbs, you will want to consider removing the tree if it’s in a location where property damage may occur or where people or pets could be struck by falling limbs or the falling tree.

If most of the tree appears healthy, any single branches with fungal fruiting structures should be removed promptly, regardless of the identity of the fungus present.

Tree Fungus Identification

Some people know about wild mushrooms and the extremely critical nature of correct fungus identification. Identifying tree fungus is critical, as well. While some fungi grow on trees without damaging them, several tree fungal types can cause destructive decay in tree trunks and limbs. In fact, under conditions that favor fungus growth, fungi can decay extensive portions of the wood of a tree in months. The destructive fungus can cause heart rot, sap rot, or canker rot. These can undercut the strength of the wood as well as destroy storage and conductive tissues in the sapwood.

Types of Fungus that Grow on Trees

It’s easiest to talk about different species of fungus by genus.

• Those fungi belonging to the genus Armillaria cause root rot or shoestring root rot on trees. Look for fleshy, firm, honey-colored mushrooms that form in clusters. The caps can be up to 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter, while the stem can be 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter and up to 6 inches (15 cm) long. There are around 270 species of Armillaria. If you notice these or similar ones on your tree, call in an arborist to identify the problem mushroom and advise you.
• Another type of dangerous tree fungus is Ganoderma lucidum. This fungus can be recognized by its shelf-like structure and reddish brown mushrooms with a cream margin. This one causes root rot. Ganoderma applanatum looks very much like it, and causes butt rot, or decay at the base, on many species of trees.
• Inonotus dryadeus is a fungus particularly dangerous to oaks. It can cause root and butt rot, toppling trees before any obvious symptoms are noted. Infected trees can experience branch dieback and yellowing leaves. It mostly shows up at the base of trees as a lumpy, yellowish mass.
• Laetiporus sulfureus is remarkable for its massive clusters of bright yellow to orange shelf-like fruiting structures that turn white with age. Infected trees easily break in the wind even before the fungus begins to form fruiting structures.

Are mushrooms good for the environment? Fungi are often associated with unwanted growth or even health problems. Molds, fungal infections, and poisonous mushrooms are certainly sinister. However, mushrooms and fungi have a place in the ecosystem and many types have important environmental benefits.

Environmental Benefits of Fungi

Fungi and mushroom benefits in the environment are huge. Without them, dead plant and animal matter would pile up and decay much more slowly. Fungi are essential for processing dead material, healthy plant growth, nutrition, medicine, and for the entire rise of animal life on earth as well as human civilizations.

Environmentally Friendly Fungi

Yes, some fungi cause infections in animals and plants, even fatal infections. Mold can make you sick, and poisonous mushrooms can be deadly. Many types of fungi provide the above benefits though, and we would be much worse off without them.

• Saprophytes: These are the fungi that recycle nutrients. They break organic matter down to create rich soil in which plants thrive. Bacteria and insects help the process, but the saprophyte fungi are responsible for most of the nutrient cycling that supports life on earth.
• Mycorrhizae: This type of fungi is also important for plant growth. They produce long, thin filaments in the soil that connect roots to create a symbiotic network. They take nutrients from plants, like trees, but also provide water and nutrients to the roots. Plants with mycorrhizae fungi thrive compared to those without them.
• Edible and Medicinal fungi: Many species of fungi are edible and provide essential nutrients for many animals. Caribou, for instance, eat lichen in the winter when plant life is not available. Without those fungi, they couldn’t survive. For humans, many edible mushrooms provide nutrients and health benefits. Some even have medicinal properties and can boost immunity, guard against inflammation, and treat infections. Penicillin came from mold after all.
• Yeast and Alcohol: Alcohol is more than just a fun party drink and we would not have any of it without yeast, a fungus. Thousands of years ago people first fermented foods to make alcohol using yeast for health reasons. The alcohol was often cleaner and safer to drink than water. Human civilizations grew around these safer beverages, including beer and wine.

If all of this is inadequate to make you appreciate fungi, consider this fact: life as we know it on earth today may not exist without them. The earliest, truly complex organisms on land were fungi, hundreds of millions of years ago. They turned rocks into soil, made plant life, and subsequently, animal life possible.

So the next time you see mushrooms or other fungi growing in the landscape, usually in moist, shadier areas, let them be. They're just doing their part in creating a healthier environment.

Shoppers of Asian and exotic food markets are familiar with those packages of dried, black fungi known as wood ear mushrooms. Are wood ear mushrooms edible? These are synonymous with jelly ear mushroom, an edible fungus in the genus Auricularia. The wood ear jelly mushroom is a gill-less cap variety with a rich flavor.

Identifying Wood Ear Mushrooms

The Chinese have long used the wood ear jelly mushroom in recipes. It was thought to improve breathing, blood circulation, and overall health. The mushrooms are mass produced in Asia but also grow in the U.S., Canada, and parts of Mexico. It is one of the first fungi to come back to life after winter and is easy to recognize and forage.

As you would expect, these fungi resemble little ears. The mushrooms grow in crinkly, cap-shaped clusters. They are one of three groups of "jelly" mushrooms, which are generally soft, although Auricularia are more rubbery.

They are brown to almost black and develop on wood decay. You might find them on old logs or stumps in the wild. The fungi might also be on living trees, which is a bad sign for the tree. That means it is decaying. They are prevalent in fall to early winter and reappear in early spring, but since they like cool temperatures, most disappear when it warms up.

Are Wood Ear Mushrooms Edible?

As mentioned, the Chinese use them extensively. They are high in protein and iron, but low in calories, carbs, and fat. The mushrooms are usually dried and can be reconstituted prior to cooking. They are often found stir fried or in soups and stews. They are used in a traditional Sichuan salad as well.

The medicinal benefits are numerous. The fungi have been found to lower cholesterol, control blood sugar, and have anticoagulant properties. In regard to the latter, anyone on blood pressure medicine or expecting a surgery should not consume the mushrooms. If you find them wild, use a dehydrator to dry them and store in plastic bags or glass jars. Also, if you are unsure of the type found, it is best not to eat it.

Auricularia auricula, Auricularia auricula-judae, and Auricularia polytricha are the types most commonly used.

Using the Jelly Ear Mushroom

To prepare the mushrooms for recipes, soak them in warm water until they are soft. Then run them under water, using your fingers to wipe off any dirt and residue. Usually, they are chopped into thin strips before being added to a recipe.

In order to preserve their snappy texture, cook them only briefly. When added to sauces, soups, and stews they are one of the last ingredients. In such preparations there is no need to reconstitute them unless they need to be chopped.

Make some traditional hot and sour soup and add this classic ingredient at the end of cooking.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is for educational and gardening purposes only. Before using or ingesting ANY herb or plant for medicinal purposes or otherwise, please consult a physician, medical herbalist, or other suitable professional for advice.

For many homeowners, mushrooms can be a nuisance growing in lawns, flower beds, and manicured landscape plantings. While troublesome, most mushroom populations can be easily removed or managed. One type of mushroom, called the ‘deer mushroom,’ is frequently found in rural yard spaces.

What are Deer Mushrooms?

Deer mushrooms are a type of mushroom commonly found in North America. This specific type of mushroom is typically found on dead or decaying hardwood. This can include decaying logs, downed trees, and even some types of mulches. However, deer mushrooms in the lawn or on conifer trees have also been noted.

These prolific mushrooms are likely to be found growing at any time throughout the year, as long as temperatures are not too cold.

Identifying Deer Mushrooms

Deer mushrooms usually reach heights of about 2 to 4 inches (5-10 cm.). In examining the cap of the mushroom, colors are most likely to range in shades of light to dark brown. As the fungi continue to age, the gills of the plant gradually change to a light pink color.

The pink gill coloration is just one of the key aspects of identifying deer mushrooms. This mushroom is most likely in or near woodland settings where growing conditions are optimal. When identifying deer mushroom, it is best to solicit help from a professional field guide. As with any other type of mushroom, many toxic varieties may look quite similar.

Are deer mushrooms edible? Although deer mushrooms, Pluteus cervinus, are considered edible, they must be used when they are very young. Even in these cases, many find the taste to be less than enjoyable. It is important to remember that wild mushrooms should never be consumed without absolute certainty of edibility. Consuming wild mushrooms can be dangerous, and in some cases, deadly. If in doubt, always err on the side of caution and avoid eating them.

If you’re not sure what to do with deer mushrooms popping up in the lawn or other landscape areas, it’s best to just let them be. As with most any type of mushroom fungi, they are beneficial in helping to break down organic matter.

Those of us with a fascination for the odd and unusual will love bleeding tooth fungus (Hydnellum peckii). It has a weird appearance straight out of a horror movie, as well as some potential medical uses. What is bleeding tooth fungus? It is a mycorrhiza with serrated basal spines and oozing, blood-like secretions topside. A mushroom with a flair for the dramatic that is native to the Pacific Northwest.

What is Bleeding Tooth Fungus?

Picture a pale flesh dotted with deep pores seeping thick red fluid. Then turn the thing over and the base is studded with small, but nasty looking spines. Meet bleeding tooth fungus. Bleeding tooth fungus mushrooms are so called because they are a "tooth" fungus and the mushroom oozes a thick substance that looks like blood. In spite of the appearance, the fungus is not dangerous and, in fact, may have a host of health benefits. Bleeding tooth fungus mushrooms are innocuous when mature. They develop into rather bland brown fungi with unremarkable characteristics. It's the young ones you have to watch for. They are also often called devil's tooth but another, more benign, name for the fungus is strawberries and cream.

Additional Bleeding Tooth Fungus Information

They are mycorrhizae, which means they have a symbiotic relationship with vascular plants. In such cases, the fungus gets carbon dioxide from the host and the host in return gets better nutrient absorption as the mushroom converts amino acids and minerals into useable forms. Bleeding tooth fungus mushrooms are filled with mycelia, which spread throughout the forest floor. The bleeding aspect is thought to be a type of sap, which is forced out through the mushroom by excess absorption of water. With such an unusual and rather creepy appearance, is a bleeding tooth fungus safe? Apparently, the mushroom isn't poisonous but does have a rather unpalatable and bitter taste. The fungi are found in forested regions, not only in North America but also Iran, South Korea, and Europe. It hides amongst the mosses and needles characteristic of a shady conifer forest. In some regions the fungus is disappearing, apparently due to excess nitrogen found in soil due to pollution. The fungus has an interesting growth form, in that it is amorphous. This characteristic can find it growing around other organic items such as dropped branches and eventually engulfing the object.

What to Do with Bleeding Tooth Fungus

This mushroom is one of many fungi undergoing trials and studies for its possible medical benefits. One of the main uses for the fungus is as a dried specimen. Dried fungi are made into beige dye for textiles and cordage. When combined with certain other substances, such as alum or iron, the fungi tones change to hues tinged with blue or green. In the medical realm, the fungus is known to contain atromentin, which is similar to heparin, a widely known and used anticoagulant. Atromentin may also have anti-bacterial properties. Thelephoric acid is another chemical contained in the mushroom, which may have uses in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. So don't let the creepy nature of the young fungus scare you away. Bleeding tooth fungus may be the answer to some of our scarier medical riddles.

You may not know yet what it is, but you have probably seen usnea lichen growing on trees. Although not related, it resembles Spanish moss, hanging in thin threads from tree branches. To better understand this fascinating lichen, check out this usnea lichen info.

What is Usnea Lichen?

Usnea is a genus of lichen that hangs in clumps of filaments on trees. Lichen is not a plant, although it is often mistaken for one. It is also not a single organism; it is a combination of two: algae and fungi. These two organisms grow together symbiotically, the fungus getting energy from the algae and the algae getting a structure on which it can grow. Usnea is most often found in coniferous forests.

Does Usnea Lichen Harm Plants?

Usnea lichen does not cause any harm to the trees it grows on and, in fact, usnea lichen in landscapes can add a moody and interesting visual element. If you have usnea in your yard or garden, consider yourself lucky. This lichen grows slowly and is not found everywhere. It actually absorbs toxins and pollution in the air, so you get the benefit of cleaner air by having it make a home in your garden.

Usnea Lichen Uses

Usnea lichens are actually quite useful. They have been made into medicines and home remedies for hundreds of years, but have other uses too: Dyeing fabrics. You can soak and boil usnea lichens to create a liquid that will dye fabrics a beige color. Sunscreen. These lichens have also been made into natural sun protection because they absorb ultraviolet light. Antibiotic. A natural antibiotic in usnea lichens is called usnic acid. It is known to work against several types of bacteria, including Streptococcus and Pneumococcus. Other medicinal uses. The usnic acid in usnea lichen is known to have antiviral properties. It can kill protozoans, which can cause illness. Usnea has anti-inflammatory properties as well and may even be able to kill cancer cells. Usnea lichen is harvested all the time to be used as an ingredient in a variety of products, from toothpaste and sunscreen to antibiotic ointment and deodorant. You might be tempted to harvest the usnea from your yard for some of these uses, but keep in mind that it grows slowly so it’s best to take it from branches or pieces of bark that have naturally fallen from trees. Of course, never treat yourself with an herbal remedy without speaking to your doctor first.

Fungi are extremely important to plant life both as partners and as enemies. They are major components of healthy garden ecosystems, where they break down organic matter, help build soil, and form partnerships with plant roots. Most parts of fungi are microscopic. Some species produce linear strings of cells called hyphae, which by themselves are too narrow to see; others, called yeasts, grow as single cells. Fungal hyphae travel invisibly through soil and colonize food resources. However, many fungal species use hyphae to form larger structures that you might find in your garden or yard. Even mushrooms consist of many hyphae closely packed together. We’ve all seen mushrooms, but observant gardeners might be able to identify another fungal structure, the rhizomorph.

What are Rhizomorphs?

A rhizomorph is a rope-like aggregation of many hyphal strands. The word “rhizomorph” literally means "root form." Rhizomorphs are so named because they resemble plant roots. Rhizomorphs in a backyard or forest are a sign of a vibrant fungal community. You may have seen them in soil, under the bark of dying trees, or wrapped around decaying stumps.

Are Rhizomorphs Good or Bad?

The fungi that form rhizomorphs can be plant allies, plant enemies, or neutral decomposers. Finding a rhizomorph in your garden is not necessarily good or bad in itself. It all depends on what fungal species is the source of the rhizomorph and whether nearby plants are healthy or sick. A plant enemy that forms rhizomorphs is the bootlace fungus (Armillaria mellea). This Armillaria species is a major cause of root rot that often kills trees and shrubs. It can infect previously healthy trees of susceptible species, or it can attack already weakened specimens of other tree species. The black or reddish brown rhizomorphs of this species grow just beneath the infected tree’s bark and in the surrounding soil. They resemble bootlaces and can reach up to 0.2 inch (5 mm.) in diameter. If you find one of these rhizomorphs on a tree, the tree is infected and will probably need to be removed. Other rhizomorph-forming fungi are saprophytes, meaning that they live on decomposing organic material such as fallen leaves and logs. They indirectly benefit plants by building soil and playing an important role in soil food webs. Some mycorrhizal fungi form rhizomorphs. Mycorrhizae are symbiotic alliances between plants and fungi in which the fungus delivers water and nutrients absorbed from the soil to the plant in exchange for carbohydrates the plant produces. Long-ranging rhizomorphs help the fungal partner bring in water and nutrients from a much larger volume of soil than the plant’s roots could explore on their own. These beneficial rhizomorphs are important nutrient sources for many tree species.

What Do Rhizomorphs Do?

For the fungus, the rhizomorph’s functions include branching out to search for additional food sources and transporting nutrients over long distances. Rhizomorphs on fungi can travel farther than individual hyphae can. Some rhizomorphs have hollow centers similar to plant xylem, which allows the fungus to transport larger volumes of water and water-soluble nutrients. Rhizomorph-forming mycorrhizal fungi use these structures to locate new trees to partner with. The bootlace fungus uses its rhizomorphs to travel through soil and reach new trees to infect. This is how the fungus spreads through forests of susceptible trees. Next time you see root-like strings in your garden soil or growing on a fallen log, think of the rhizomorph information in this article and consider that they may not be roots but a manifestation of the often-invisible fungal world.

There’s a giant in the forest that is wreaking havoc on entire tree groves and its name is honey fungus. What is honey fungus and what do honey mushrooms look like? The following article contains information of honey fungus identification and honey fungus treatment.

What is Honey Fungus?

You see a cluster of unassuming mushrooms at most 6 inches (15 cm.) high and ¾ inch (2 cm.) across, but it’s what you don’t see that’s the mind boggling story behind honey fungus. The honey mushroom is actually the largest living organism in the world. What you see is only a very small portion of the actual size of the fungus. Honey fungus identification is made certain by what you don’t see beneath the soil surface and lurking inside infected trees. So what do honey mushrooms look like? Honey mushroom fungus becomes visible in the spring when the fungus “blooms,” sending forth yellow-brown to honey colored toadstools with a unique white ring around the stem. The mushrooms produce white spores and can be found in small groupings around the base of dead or infected trees or shrubs. These toadstools last only a few days. Honey fungus is the common name for several fungi, seven to be exact, within the genus Armillaria. Honey fungus spreads beneath the soil, infecting and killing the roots of perennial plants. Honey fungus produces tough rhizomorphs or fungal “roots” that spread through the soil in search of fresh hosts.

Additional Honey Fungus Information

The most distinguishing feature of honey fungus is beneath the bark of infected roots of trees and at the base of the trunk where fans of white fungal mycelium can be viewed. This mycelium has a strong, sweet odor and a slight sheen. The rhizomorphs radiate out from the established fungal colony and spread the fungus either via contact with tree and shrub roots or by root to root contact. Honey fungus spores also infect wounds and cuts on woody plants as well as herbaceous perennials and bulbs. Of the seven species of Armillaria, only two, A. mellea and A. ostoyae, are the most aggressive. Others only infect plants that are already infected, under stress, or diseased. How big can honey fungus get? Recently, an area in eastern Oregon, Malheur National Forest, was found to be infected with Armillaria. Scientists found that the fungus covered over 2,200 acres (890 hectares) and was at least 2,400 years old, maybe older!

Honey Fungus Treatment

Honey fungus control is difficult and extremely labor intensive. Since the evidence of toadstools and dying trees isn’t conclusive, steps need to be taken to positively identify the fungus with genetic fingerprinting techniques prior to undertaking any action. Once the presence of honey fungus has been substantiated, what can be done to control it? Currently, there are no viable biological controls, although researchers have looked at antagonistic fungi to control the fungus. Chemical controls are really only useful in a commercial situation wherein the soil is sterilized using approved products. Some growers use systemic application of fungicides, but these are expensive and labor intensive. Any chemicals are generally thwarted by the tough, protective sheath surrounding the rhizomorphs rendering them useless. The only sure-fire method of control is through cultural practices. Use resistant species first of all. Avoid stressing the trees by watering consistently. Protect their roots from pests, disease, and mechanical injury. Don’t replant an infected site for at least 12 months to starve the fungus out and then only plant resistant species. You can try to protect important specimens as yet unaffected by the fungus by burying heavy duty plastic sheeting around the root system down to a depth of 18 to 24 inches (46-61 cm.). Infected trees can try to be saved by pruning off any infected roots if the infection is not too severe. Unfortunately, the pruning of infected stumps and roots often stimulates rhizomorph growth. Otherwise, infected trees should be removed to prevent contagion. The stumps can be killed to halt the infection by the application of some non-selective herbicide products. If you choose to compost the infected tree material, be sure that your compost pile reaches high enough temps to kill the disease– otherwise, it’s best not to do so.

When people think about fungi, they usually think about unpleasant organisms such as poisonous toadstools or those that cause moldy food. Fungi, along with some types of bacteria, belong to a group of organisms called saprophytes. These organisms play an important role in their ecosystem, making it possible for plants to thrive. Find out more about saprophytes in this article.

What is a Saprophyte?

Saprophytes are organisms that can’t make their own food. In order to survive, they feed on dead and decaying matter. Fungi and a few species of bacteria are saprophytes. Examples of saprophyte plants include:

• Indian pipe
• Corallorhiza orchids
• Mushrooms and molds
• Mycorrhizal fungi

As saprophyte organisms feed, they break down decaying debris left by dead plants and animals. After the debris is broken down, what remains are rich minerals that become part of the soil. These minerals are essential for healthy plants.

What Do Saprophytes Feed On?

When a tree falls in the forest, there may not be anyone there to hear it, but you can be sure that there are saprophytes there to feed on the dead wood. Saprophytes feed on all types of dead matter in all sorts of environments, and their food includes both plant and animal debris. Saprophytes are the organisms responsible for turning food waste you throw into your compost bin into rich food for plants.

You may hear some people refer to exotic plants that live off of other plants, such as orchids and bromeliads, as saprophytes. This isn’t strictly true. These plants often consume live host plants, so they should be called parasites rather than saprophytes.

Additional Saprophyte Information

Here are some features that can help you determine whether an organism is a saprophyte. All saprophytes have these characteristics in common:

• They produce filaments.
• They have no leaves, stems, or roots.
• They produce spores.
• They can’t perform photosynthesis.

What is Indian pipe? This fascinating plant (Monotropa uniflora) is definitely one of nature’s weird wonders. Because it has no chlorophyll and doesn’t depend on photosynthesis, this ghostly white plant is able to grow in the darkest of forests. Many people refer to this strange plant as Indian pipe fungus, but it is not a fungus at all – it just looks like one. It is actually a flowering plant, and believe it or not, it is a member of the blueberry family. Keep reading for more Indian pipe info.

Indian Pipe Information

Each Indian pipe plant consists of one 3- to 9-inch (7.5 to 23 cm.) stem. Although you may notice small scales, no leaves are required because the plant does not photosynthesize. A white or pinkish-white, bell-shaped flower, which appears sometime between late spring and fall, is pollinated by small bumblebees. Once the bloom is pollinated, the “bell” creates a seed capsule that eventually releases tiny seeds into the wind. For obvious reasons, Indian pipe is also known as "ghost plant" – or sometimes "corpse plant". Although there is not an Indian pipe fungus, Indian pipe is a parasitic plant that survives by borrowing nutrients from certain fungi, trees and decaying plant matter. This complicated, mutually beneficial process allows the plant to survive.

Where does Indian Pipe Grow?

Indian pipe is found in dark, shady woods with rich, moist soil and plenty of decaying leaves and other plant matter. It is commonly found near dead stumps. Indian pipe is often found in near beech trees too, which also prefer damp, cool soil. The plant grows in most temperate regions of the United States, and is also found in northern parts of South America.

Indian Pipe Plant Uses

Indian pipe has an important role to play in the ecosystem, so please don’t pick it. (It will quickly turn black, so there’s really no point.) The plant may have once held medicinal qualities. Native Americans used the sap to treat eye infections and other ailments. Reportedly, Indian pipe plant is edible and tastes something like asparagus. Yet, eating the plant is not recommended, as it may be mildly toxic. Although the plant is interesting, it is best enjoyed in its natural environment. Bring a camera to capture this ghostly, glowing plant!

What is earthstar fungus? This interesting fungus produces a central puffball that sits on a platform consisting of four to ten plump, pointed “arms” that give the fungus a star-shaped appearance. Keep reading for more earthstar plant info.

Earthstar Plant Info

Earthstar fungus isn’t hard to spot because of its distinct, star-like appearance. The colors aren’t star-like though, as the oddly beautiful earthstar fungus displays various shades of brownish-gray. The central puffball, or sac, is smooth, while the pointy arms have a crackled appearance. This interesting fungus is also known as barometer earthstar because it reacts to the level of humidity in the air. When the air is dry, the points fold up around the puffball to protect it from weather and from various predators. When the air is moist, or when it rains, the points open and expose the center. The “rays” of the earthstar can measure from a ½ inch to 3 inches (1.5 to 7.5 cm.).

Earthstar Fungus Habitats

Earthstar fungus has a friendly relationship with a variety of different trees, including pine and oak, as the fungus helps the trees absorb phosphorus and other elements from the earth. As the tree photosynthesizes, it shares carbohydrates with the fungus. This fungus prefers loamy or sandy, nutrient-poor soil and often grows in open spaces, usually in clusters or groups. It is sometimes found growing on rocks, especially granite and slate.

Star Fungi in Lawns

There isn’t too much you can do about star fungi in lawns because the fungus is busy breaking down old tree roots or other decaying underground organic material, which returns the nutrients to the soil. If the food sources eventually go away, the fungi will follow. Don’t worry too much about star fungi in lawns and keep in mind that it’s just nature doing its thing. In fact, this unique star-shaped fungus is actually quite interesting!

The bearded tooth mushroom, also known as lion’s mane, is a culinary delight. You can occasionally find it growing in shady forests, and it’s easy to cultivate at home. Read on to find out more about this tasty treat.

What is Bearded Tooth Fungus?

Bearded tooth is a mushroom that you can feel confident about collecting in the wild because it has no look-alikes, either poisonous or non. Although they aren’t common, you can sometimes find them in the fall in shady forests. The bearded tooth fungus habitat is the trunks of old beech or oak trees. The mushrooms grow in wounds in the tree trunk, and they are a sign that the tree has heart rot. You may also find bearded tooth growing on fallen or felled trees. When you find them, make a note of the tree and its location. The mushrooms come back in the same location year after year. Bearded tooth, or lion’s mane, mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) has a distinctive appearance. It looks like a cascade of white icicles measuring between three and ten inches (7.6 and 25 cm.) wide. The individual “icicles” grow as much as 2.75 inches (6.9 cm.) long. These stemless mushrooms produce spores on small, white teeth close to the surface of the wood. Bearded tooth mushrooms are white at first, and then turn yellow to brown as they age. You can collect them regardless of the color because the flesh remains firm and flavorful. While other mushrooms tend to grow around the base of a tree, bearded tooth often grows higher up, so you may miss them if you focus on the ground.

Growing Bearded Tooth Mushrooms

Kits to grow bearded tooth mushrooms are available online. There are two ways to go. Spawn plugs are small wooden dowels containing the spawn. After you drill holes in a beech or oak logs, you pound the dowels into the holes. It can take several months, or even up to a year to get your first harvest from this method. The advantage is that you get a lot of mushrooms over a period of several years. For quick results, you can buy kits already infused and ready to start producing. You may get your first mushrooms in as little as two weeks after initiating the kit. With good care, you can get several flushes of mushrooms from this type of kit, but they rarely last more than a couple of months.

Mycorrhizal fungi and plants have a mutually beneficial relationship. Let's take a look at how these “good fungi” help your plants grow stronger.

Mycorrhizal Activity

The word "mycorrhiza" comes from the words myco, meaning fungus, and rhiza, meaning plant. The name is a good description of the mutually beneficial relationship between the two organisms. Here are a few of the advantages the plant receives from mycorrhizal activity:

• Increased resistance to drought
• Enhanced ability to absorb nutrients
• Better stress resistance
• Better seedling growth
• Cuttings that form a strong root structure
• Quick transplant establishment and growth

So what does the fungus get out of this relationship? The fungus can't perform photosynthesis to make food from nutrients, so in exchange for nutrients that the fungus brings to the plant, the plant shares a little of the food it makes from the nutrients. Chances are you've seen mycorrhizal fungi in soil. You may have mistaken them for roots because they often appear as long, thin, white threads entangled among the plant's true roots.

What is Mycorrhizae?

Mycorrhizal fungi include many species of fungi, like mushrooms. They all have long filaments that resemble roots and they grow near plants with which they can share a beneficial relationship. They seek out plants that have tiny bits of food dripping from their roots. They then attach themselves to the plant and extend their filaments into parts of the surrounding soil that the plant can't reach. A plant would soon exhaust its small area of surrounding soil of nutrients, but with the help of mycorrhizal fungi, plants benefit from nutrients and moisture found further from home. In addition, they produce glomalin, a glycoprotein that helps stabilize the soil. Not all plants respond to mycorrhizae. Vegetable gardeners will notice that their corn and tomatoes thrive when there are mycorrhizal fungi in the soil, while leafy greens, especially members of the brassicas family, show no response. Spinach and beets also resist mycorrhizal fungi. In soil where these resistant plants grow, the mycorrhizal fungi eventually die out.

Mycorrhizal Fungi Information

Now that you know what mycorrhizal fungi can do for your garden, you're probably wondering how to introduce it into your soil. The good news is that unless you are using sterile potting soil, you probably have some. Commercial mycorrhizal amendments are available, and they can help potting soil develop the amendments, but they aren't necessary in the landscape. Here are a few things you can do to help mycorrhizal fungi become established in your landscape:

• Stop using phosphate fertilizer, which has an adverse effect on the fungi
• Avoid overwatering the garden
• Amend the soil with organic matter, such as compost and leaf mold
• Avoid over-tilling the soil as much as possible

For years, the group of organisms called fungi was lumped together with bacteria and other tiny plants without roots, stems, leaves, or chlorophyll. It is now known that fungi are in a class all to themselves. So what are fungi? The broad definition indicates they do not produce their own food, their cell walls are made of chiton, reproduce by spores, and have cell nuclei. Read on to learn more.

What are Fungi?

It might be surprising to know what common items and conditions are caused by fungi. The types of fungus range from dangerous to beneficial and they occur in all environments. Yeast is a fungus. Athlete's foot is caused by a fungus, and the lifesaving drug penicillin is made from a fungus. Mushrooms are a common fungus growth in gardens, but fungal byproducts are also found in some cheeses, beer, champagne, and bread. The fungal kingdom is diverse and fascinating with a few surprises thrown in along the way. Fungi cannot produce their own food like most plants. They are either parasitic, decompose dead matter, or they are mutualistic or symbiotic. They have extracellular digestion and secrete enzymes. Each fungus secretes different enzymes specific to that organism's preferred food. Interestingly, fungi store their food as glycogen just like animals. Plants and algae store food like starch. Most fungi cannot move and must move towards food by growing toward it. Many types of fungus are multi-celled, although yeast is single celled.

Fungus Life Cycle

Fungus reproduction is not very romantic. It involves the fusion of the hyphae of two different individuals into a mycelium. This is where spores come in, which are dispersed by wind and can produce a new mycelium. The mycelium contains haploid nuclei from both specimens. The two nuclei fuse into a diploid nuclei, and meiosis further divides the nuclei into four. Fungi may reproduce either sexually or asexually. With asexual reproduction, a lone individual produces exact clones of itself. This form of the fungus life cycle is only advantageous in locations where the clones will thrive.

Fungus Control

Fungus in gardens or lawns, in the form of mushrooms, are not generally harmful and require no removal unless you have the kind that are poisonous. Certain varieties can cause unpleasant conditions like Athlete's foot, for which there are many brands of fungus control in your pharmacy. Other undesired fungus can be removed by controlling the environment. The type of fungus will dictate what atmospheric conditions need to be changed to prevent fungi. For instance, meats should be held in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent mold but plenty of other foods that are held in the refrigerator will still mold. Many species of fungi require high heat to survive. Some fungi need moisture while others thrive in dry conditions. Grass fungi respond to commercial fungicides, while problems like powdery mildew may be kept in check with baking soda spray. It is important to identify your particular fungi in order to apply the right treatment and manage the conditions in which it flourishes.

You will recognize why this species has its moniker the instant you set eyes upon it. Bird's nest fungi in gardens look just like the avian habitats for which they are named. What is bird's nest fungus? The tiny fungi aren't dangerous to plants and help break down organic matter. Therefore, bird's nest fungus control isn't necessary unless the appearance wrecks your gardening feng shui.

What is Bird's Nest Fungus?

Soil and organic debris are full of all kinds of marvelous natural composters. One of them, the bird's nest fungus, is also a master of mimicry. It has the appearance of a cup-shaped nest with little spheres inside that resemble eggs. In fact, the spheres are the method through which the organism reproduces itself. Whenever I see one of these little nests in my bark mulch, it makes me smile. They are magical little organisms with a unique reproductive strategy and wonderful composting abilities. Finding bird's nest fungus in mulch is a common sight, as the fungi live off the organic substrate and turn it into rich soil. The cup shape is actually the fruiting body of the fungus and holds the lentil-shaped peridioles that contain the spores which are the basis of the saprophyte's reproduction. Bird's nest fungi in gardens are common in moist, cool locations primarily in fall. Their preferred locations are rich soil, animal feces, decaying wood, and plant debris.

Life Cycle and Benefits of Bird's Nest Fungi

Bird's nest fungi in gardens catch rain or irrigation water in the little fruiting cups, which are about ¼ inch (0.5 cm.) in diameter. The splash of the water ejects the peridioles 3 to 4 feet (1 m.), hopefully into hospitable terrain. They have a sticky membrane that catches onto a plant stalk, side of the house, or whatever is nearby and adhere. Once the peridiole dries, it releases the spore. As a saphrophyte, bird's nest fungi break down organic waste matter into rich compost. They take nutrients from the material and cause decomposition to increase nearly two-fold. This means the cleanup of the garden is much quicker with fungi and other decomposers in the landscape. Bird's nest fungus in heavy bark mulch is especially helpful. They help reduce large chunks into easy to break down slivers that help enrich the soil and increase tilth.

Getting Rid of Bird's Nest Fungus

The fungus doesn't harm any living plants or organisms and assists in the important cycle of soil renewal. For this reason, getting rid of bird's nest fungus is not necessary for the health of your garden. However, if the sticky fruiting bodies adhere to siding or other items, they can be difficult to remove. In this case, bird's nest fungus control should consist of repelling tactics. Reduce irrigation in areas of concern and rake the soil to disturb the organisms. You may also elect to install living mulch such as ivy or vinca, which will keep the fungus from taking hold of the debris underneath the thick mat of vegetation. As a rule, fungicides are not recommended to remove the fungus. Simple repellent tricks are much easier and safer in the landscape.

It's easy to mentally divide the garden into plants and animals, but it's not always that simple sometimes. Besides plant bacteria and the viruses that roam the world, there's a remarkable organism known as the lichen that appears when conditions are right. If you've noticed a black, granular material in the soil around your plants or on your lawn and you're certain it's not worm castings, it's probably tar jelly lichen.

What is Tar Jelly Lichen?

Tar jelly lichen is a creature unlike others you'll encounter in the garden. They're created by the intimate paring of a fungus and algae-- and both are important to lichen growth. The algae synthesizes all day long, providing enough food for itself and the fungus involved, and the fungus keeps the algae moist so it can live a long, healthy life. Although they're fascinating, tar jelly lichen information is hard to come by. This is largely because they're not garden offenders, so universities don't spend a lot of time looking at them. Even so, there are lichen uses and benefits. For example, many wild herd animals use them to help replenish their colonies of digestive bacteria. Smaller animals may use them as a food source similar to a mushroom. Many common dyes are also made from lichens.

Is Tar Jelly Lichen Dangerous?

Despite their unusual appearance, tar jelly lichen are not dangerous in your garden. In fact, because they fix their own nitrogen from the environment, they can be really helpful to your plants. When it rains, nitrogen is leached from tar jelly lichen colonies, both living and dead. These early colonizers are often the first on the scene at barren, disturbed sites like abandoned construction projects. Their nitrogen contribution can help tougher green plants get a foothold in these desolate places. However, just because tar jelly lichens are great for your garden, they're not necessarily great for you. Many lichens are poisonous, and those that aren't are incredibly unpalatable, though they've been used as food additives in various cultures. The biggest problem with eating tar jelly lichen is that several species look very similar, which is the beginning to a recipe for disaster. Like with small brown mushrooms, you have to really know your black lichens if you want to attempt to eat them. Most gardeners are content to sit and admire these fancy, amazing examples of natural cooperation when they appear in the soil. However, if lichens aren't in your plans, you can at least feel confident turning them over the soil and reaping the benefits of their nitrogen-fixing work.

You may have seen artillery fungus (Sphaerobolus stellatus) and not even know it. The fungus resembles scaly dirt or mud spots and is found on light colored housing, cars, and exterior surfaces. It is also found in manure and bark mulches. The name is derived from the Greek for “spear thrower” because of its ability to propel spores at quite some distance. Learn how to get rid of artillery fungus and what you can do to prevent the spotting on your property.

What is Artillery Fungus?

Those annoying black spots that creep up your siding or splash along the side of your car may not be mud spatters but artillery fungus. What is artillery fungus? It is Sphaerobolus, a common fungus that sticks firmly to light or white colored surfaces and resembles spots of tar. Its adhesion properties are legendary and the spots can be difficult or even impossible to remove without damaging the surface. This common fungus is often found in bark mulch, especially hardwood mulch, too. There is some suggestion that artillery fungus in mulch such as cedar and pine bark nuggets may occur less frequently than hardwood. It is most prevalent on the north side of a building and shoots spores towards bright light. This fungus produces a cup-shaped peridiole which contains fruiting bodies. When the cup fills with water, it inverts and shoots out the fruiting bodies. These are most obvious when attached to a light colored surface, such as white housing siding. Once they attach, the fungus is very difficult to get off. Is artillery fungus harmful? It does no real damage to surfaces and is not a toxic mold. It is, however, unsightly and difficult to remove.

What Causes Artillery Fungus?

The best conditions for the formation of the spores are cool, moist, and shady conditions. This is why the spores are more noticeable on the north side of a house. They are more prevalent on light colored structures because the peridiole shoots the fruiting bodies towards light and light reflects best off of these lighter surfaces. It is recommended that old mulch is raked to expose the spores to light and dry out the material, or 3 inches (8 cm.) of new mulch added over the old to suffocate the spores of artillery fungus in mulch.

How to Get Rid of Artillery Fungus

There is no recommended artillery fungus treatment. If the spores are fresh, sometimes soap and water with a scrub brush will remove a bit of the fungus. You can power wash them off of vinyl siding but such methods can be damaging to cars and wood siding. There is no fungicide registered as an artillery fungus treatment. There is research to suggest that blending mushroom compost at a rate of 40% with landscape mulch can suppress the spores. Also, the use of gravel or plastic mulch will not cause the formation of the spores. To kill the spores in lighter areas, cover the zone with black plastic and allow the sun to cook the spores out of the bark.

If you have black, club-shaped mushrooms at or near the base of a tree, you may have dead man's finger fungus. This fungus may indicate a serious condition that needs your immediate attention. Read this article for dead man's finger facts and tips for handling the problem.

What is Dead Man's Finger?

Xylaria polymorpha, the fungus that causes dead man's finger, is a saprotrophic fungus, which means that it only invades dead or dying wood. Think of saprotrophic fungi as natural sanitation engineers that clean up dead organic matter by breaking it down into a form that plants can absorb as nutrients. The fungus shows a preference for apple, maple, beech, locust, and elm trees, but it can also invade a variety of ornamental trees and shrubs used in home landscapes. The fungus is the result of a problem rather than the cause because it never invades healthy wood. On trees, it often begins in bark lesions. It can also invade damaged roots, which later develop root rot.

What Do Dead Man's Fingers Look Like?

A dead man's finger “plant” is actually a mushroom. Mushrooms are the fruiting bodies (reproductive stage) of fungi. It is shaped like a human finger, each about 1.5 to 4 inches (4-10 cm.) tall. A clump of the mushrooms looks like a human hand. The mushroom arises in spring. It may be pale or bluish with a white tip at first. The fungus matures to dark gray and then black. Trees infected with the disease show a gradual decline. Apple trees may produce a large number of small fruit before they die.

Dead Man's Finger Control

When you find dead man's finger, the first thing you want to do is determine the source of the growth. Is it growing from the trunk of the tree or the roots? Or is it growing on the mulch at the base of the tree? Dead man's finger growing on the trunk or roots of a tree is very bad news. The fungus breaks down the structure of the tree quickly, causing a condition known as soft rot. There is no cure, and you should remove the tree before it becomes a hazard. Infected trees can collapse and fall without warning. If the fungus is growing in hardwood mulch and is not connected to the tree, removing the mulch solves the problem.

What is that smell, and what are those odd looking red-orange things in the garden? If it smells like putrid rotting meat, you're probably dealing with stinkhorn mushrooms. There is no quick fix for the problem, but read on to find out about a few control measures you can try.

What are Stinkhorns?

Stinkhorn fungi are smelly, reddish orange mushrooms that may resemble a wiffle ball, an octopus, or a straight stem up to 8 inches (20 cm.) high. They don't harm plants or cause disease. In fact, plants benefit from the presence of stinkhorn mushrooms because they break down rotting material into a form plants can use for nourishment. If it weren't for their horrible smell, gardeners would welcome their brief visit in the garden. Stinkhorns emit their odor to attract flies. The fruiting bodies emerge from the egg sac covered with slimy, olive green coating, which contains the spores. The flies eat the spores and then distribute them over a wide area.

How to Get Rid of Stinkhorn Mushrooms

Stinkhorn fungus is seasonal and doesn't last very long. Given time the mushrooms will simply go away on their own, but many people find them so offensive that they aren't willing to wait. There are no chemicals or sprays that are effective at removing stinkhorn fungi. Once they appear, about the only thing you can do is close the windows and wait. There are, however, a few control measures that can help keep them from coming back. Stinkhorn mushrooms grow on rotting organic matter. Remove underground stumps, dead roots, and sawdust left from grinding stumps. The fungus also grows on decomposing hardwood mulch, so replace old hardwood mulch with pine needles, straw, or chopped leaves. You might also consider using live groundcovers instead of mulch. Stinkhorn fungus begins life as an underground, egg-shaped structure about the size of a golf ball. Dig up the eggs before they have a chance to produce fruiting bodies, which are the above ground part of the fungus. In many areas, they'll come back a couple of times a year unless you remove their food source, so mark the spot.

Long, soaking spring and fall rains are vital to trees in the landscape, but they can also reveal secrets about the health of these plants. In many areas, jelly-like fungi seem to appear out of nowhere when moisture is abundant, sending home gardeners scrambling for answers.

What is Jelly Fungus?

Jelly fungus belongs to the class Heterobasidiomycetes; it's a distant cousin of the mushroom. These fungi appear in a wide range of colors, from white to orange, yellow, pink, or even black, and have a gelatinous texture when exposed to sufficient moisture. One of the most remarkable features of these fungi is their ability to absorb as much as 60 times their weight in water, turning them from tiny, dried up nubs to short-lived, natural art in no time. Many kinds of jelly fungus appear on trees, but among the most common are jelly ear fungus and witches butter. As the name implies, jelly ear fungus resembles a brown or rust-colored human ear in shape when it is fully hydrated, but on a dry day, it is more of a dried up, raisin looking fungus. Witches butter is often much smaller, so it can almost disappear entirely when it's dry - after a rain, it resembles bright yellow or orange globs of butter.

Will Jelly Fungi Harm My Tree?

Though jelly fungus on trees looks insidious, this is usually a beneficial organism. A few species are parasites of other fungus, but most help to break down dead tree matter - that's why they're often seen by hikers wandering in the woods. This is both good news and bad news for your tree. The healthy tissues of your tree aren't in any danger of being damaged by jelly fungus, but their presence indicates that your tree is rotting internally at the point where they're feeding. If it's a slow rot, it may go unnoticed for years, but as jelly fungus populations grow, their sudden explosion in weight during a rainstorm can cause these already weakened branches to snap. A few jelly fungi aren't anything to worry about, simply prune away affected branches and discard the material. If jelly fungi are widespread and feeding on your tree's trunk, however, you should call in a professional arborist to assess the health of your tree. Trees with hidden internal rot are serious hazards in the landscape and by calling in an expert, you can prevent injury to your home and the people around it.

If you've ever come across a fungus reminiscent of an orange looking cup, then it's likely orange fairy cup fungus, also known as the orange peel fungus. So exactly what is orange peel fungus and where do orange cup fungi grow? Keep reading to learn more.

What is Orange Peel Fungus?

Orange peel fungus (Aleuria aurantia), or orange fairy cup fungus, is a striking fungi that can be found growing throughout North America, especially during the summer and fall. This fungus, like other members of the cup fungi family, has a cup-like body with folds and is a brilliant orange color, which some may mistake for a discarded orange peel. Spores are big and have spiny projections. This small fungus reaches heights of only about 4 inches (10 cm.) and has a white, felt-looking underside. Orange peel fungus is a vital tertiary decomposer that depends on primary and secondary decomposers to do their work decomposing organic material before it breaks down complex molecules. Once the molecules are broken down, the fungi absorbs some of them for their own nutrition. The remaining carbon, nitrogen, and hydrogen are returned to enrich the soil.

Where Do Orange Cup Fungi Grow?

Orange cup fungi are stem-less and lay directly on the ground. Groups of these cups are often found together. This fungus grows in open areas along woodland trails, dead trees, and roadways in clusters. It often fruits in places where the soil has become compacted.

Is Orange Peel Fungus Poisonous?

Contrary to what some cup fungi info may state, orange peel fungus is not poisonous and is, in fact, an edible mushroom, although it really has no taste. It does not secrete any toxins, but it does share a close resemblance to some species of Otidea fungi that do produce harmful toxins. For this reason it is often recommended that you not try to ingest it without proper knowledge and identification from a professional. Since this fungus does not cause harm, should you come across it (even in the garden), simply leave it alone to allow this little decomposer to do its work enriching the soil.

That foamy frothy stuff in your garden that resembles the contents of a dog's stomach is slime mold. What is slime mold? Good question, as it is not really a mold or a fungus. It is also not a plant, and yet not an animal. Slime molds are in a class all to themselves and there are over 700 varieties. They are common in warm, moist locations but the actual appearance will vary from zone to zone. Slime molds will not hurt the environment or your plants, so there is no real slime mold control. While ugly, the organism may actually be helping your plants by consuming pathogens and bacteria that could harm them.

What is Slime Mold?

The slime mold organism reproduces and survives much like a fungus. It is also capable of moving itself to some degree. These facts might lead you to believe that it is either a fungus or an animal, but this is not the case. The organism gets moisture from air and nutrients from what it grows upon, and yet is not a plant either. Slime molds are in the genus Fuligo and are primitive single celled organisms with spore reproduction. One of the more interesting slime mold facts is their apparent separation from any known plant or animal classification.

Slime Mold Facts

Slime molds range in color, but the most frequently spotted variety is orange to yellow in color and reminiscent of dog's vomit. They can grow two feet (61 cm.) in diameter and occur on moist rotting vegetation. You will usually find slime molds in garden mulch or thick grass clippings. The organism feeds off the vegetation and grows in a state called plasmodium. This plasmodium persists while conditions are moist and then turns into spores when the organism dries out. The result leaves a dry crusty residue on its host. Slime molds are not dangerous, but in the lawn large persistent molds can leave grass yellow because it reduces sunlight to the blades. The grass recovers after the mold has turned to spore.

Getting Rid of Slime Mold

There is no doubt that slime mold is unattractive. Anything that closely resembles vomit in the garden is an uncomfortable sight. However, since slime molds in garden mulch or other areas are not harmful, removal is not necessary. For this reason, slime mold control with chemicals is more trouble than it is worth. Few chemicals can permanently kill the organism and toxic applications may even be detrimental to other life around the mold. Slime molds thrive where conditions are moist, so the easiest way to remove it is to let the area dry out. Rake up slime molds in garden mulch, with a rake like this Corona GT 3050 Extendable Handle Rake from Amazon, to expose the organism to drying air. You can also just scrape up the stuff, but likely it will be back. Some molds have been known to come back in the same spot, year after year.

Tree bracket fungus is the fruiting body of certain fungi that attack the wood of living trees. They are of the mushroom family and have been used in folk medicines for centuries. Bracket fungus info tells us that their hard, woody bodies were ground to powder and used in teas. Unlike many of their mushroom cousins, most are inedible and of the few that can be eaten, most are poisonous. Anyone who has tried to remove one of these brackets will tell you that they are rock hard; so hard, in fact, that they can be carved into works of art and beautiful jewelry.

Bracket Fungus Info

Tree bracket fungus is often referred to as shelf fungus because of the way it sticks out from the infected tree. They are called polypores. Instead of having spore producing gills, they have many pores lined with spore producing cells called basidia. These basidia form woody tubes through which the spores are released into the air. A new layer of spore tissue is added each season on top of the old; and as time passes, these layers grow into the large and familiar bracket. Fungus info can be taken from these growths. They are used to determine the answer to the question, "How long does bracket fungus live?". The rings can give clues to the age of the growth because each ring represents one growing season, but before that can be determined, one needs to know if there is only one growing season per year in the spring or two seasons, one in spring and one in fall. Depending on the number of seasons, a tree bracket fungus with twenty rings may be twenty years old, or only ten. There have been reports of shelves with forty rings and weights up to three hundred pounds. As long as the host plant survives, the shelf will continue to grow, so the simplest answer to how long a bracket fungus lives is -- as long as the tree it infects.

Learn About Prevention and Removal of Bracket Fungus

Tree bracket fungus is a disease of the tree's heartwood. As stated before, the shelves are the fruiting bodies and by the time they appear, there is usually a significant amount of interior damage. The fungi that cause bracket fungus -- and there are many -- attack the hardwood interior, and therefore, the structural integrity of the tree and are the cause of white or brown rot. If the rot occurs in a branch, it will weaken and eventually drop. If the disease attacks the trunk, the tree can fall. In wooded areas, this is merely inconvenient. In the home garden, it can cause great harm to property and people. In older trees with massive trunks, this decay can take years, but in younger trees, the threat is very real. Unfortunately, there is no treatment for the removal of bracket fungus. Info from expert arborists recommends removal of infected branches to prevent further spread, but beyond that, there is little you can do. Prevention rather than removal of bracket fungus is the best that can be done. Like all fungi, bracket fungus likes a damp environment. Make sure the bases of trees don't stand in water. As soon as the infection is noted, removal of the bracket fungus shelves will at least prevent the spore release that may infect other trees. The good news is that these fungi attack the old and the weak, and often occur after a tree is damaged by man or nature. Strong, healthy trees respond with a natural chemical defense when damage occurs, which helps fight off fungal disease. Because of this, experts frown on the use of tree wound sealers and research supports their claim that these wound sealers can sometimes make matters worse. Cut ragged, damaged limbs off cleanly and let nature take its course. Losing a favorite tree to tree bracket fungus is heartbreaking, but it is also important to remember that these fungi also serve a purpose in the natural world. Their consumption of dead and dying wood is part of the cycle of life.

Mushrooms are sometimes an annoyance to homeowners who do not welcome them in their gardens or lawns and often wish to get rid of them. However, mushrooms are considered decay fungi and make quick work of organic matter, such as thatch in lawns or compost materials. Their presence in the lawn and garden greatly improve the quality of soil. How does one distinguish between various types of mushrooms though? Continue reading to learn more about mushroom identification.

Mushroom Identification

A real mushroom is in the shape of an umbrella with a cup-shaped or flat cap on top of a stalk. Spores are produced by a group of cells, called basidia, found on the underside of the mushroom cap. While mushrooms come in all shapes, sizes, and colors the general structure remains the same. These funny looking structures are actually fruiting bodies or flowers that are produced by fungi. The body of the fungus is actually underground. There are many kinds of fruit bodies that are not true mushrooms, including puffballs and morels. There are over 8,000 types of mushrooms found throughout the world. These include toadstools and fairy ring mushrooms.

Toadstool Info

Learning about mushrooms includes toadstool info. Many people are curious about the difference between a mushroom and a toadstool. In fact, the word is often used interchangeably. However, toadstools are actually considered poisonous mushrooms. To be on the safe side, it is always best to consider all mushrooms as poisonous unless you are an expert at mushroom identification. Poisonous mushrooms, when eaten, can cause serious illness and in some cases even death.

What are Fairy Rings?

You've probably heard mention of fairy rings at some point or another. So what are fairy rings? Lawn mushrooms that form a distinctive arc or circle, especially in the lawn, are known as “fairy rings.” They are the result of a special fungus called fairy ring and there are between 30 and 60 different types of fairy ring fungi. Fairy ring fungi feed on decaying matter in the lawn and tend to be worse in poor or sandy soil. Fairy rings can become very dense and kill grass. Good lawn aeration generally helps improve the quality of soil and reduce the presence of fairy rings.

Tree lichens appear on many trees. They tend to be considered either a fortunate blessing or a frustrating pest. Lichens on trees are unique and harmless but some may consider them unsightly. Let's look at what lichen on tree bark means and what the treatment for tree lichen is.

What are Tree Lichens?

Lichens on trees are a unique organism because they are actually a symbiotic relationship between two organisms -- fungus and algae. The fungus grows on the tree and can collect moisture, which the algae needs. The algae, in return, can create food from the energy of the sun, which feeds the fungus.

Lichen on tree bark is completely harmless to the tree itself. The rhizines (similar to roots) allow them to attach to the but do not go deep enough to harm the tree in any way. Many people believe when a tree becomes sick and has lichen, that the tree lichens are the cause of the illness. This is impossible and most likely the lichen was there long before the tree became ill.

Treatment for Tree Lichen

While lichen on tree bark is harmless, some people find it not very pretty to look at and would like to learn how to kill tree lichen. One way is to gently scrub the bark of the tree with a soapy solution. Since lichen on tree bark is only lightly attached, it should come off easily. Be careful not to scrub too hard, as this can damage the bark of the tree which will open the tree to disease or pests.

Another method to kill tree lichen is to spray the tree with copper-sulfate. Copper-sulfate sprayed on lichens on trees will kill the fungus side of the organism. Only use copper-sulfate as a treatment for tree lichen in late spring through early fall. It will not be effective in cool weather.

Perhaps the best treatment for tree lichen is to change the environment where the tree lichens are growing. Lichens on trees grow best in cool, partly sunny, moist locations. Thinning out tree branches overhead to allow more sun and air flow will help. Also, if you use a sprinkler system, make sure that it does not routinely spray the place where the lichen is growing, as you are essentially “watering” the tree lichen and helping it to survive.

Note: Any recommendations pertaining to the use of chemicals are for informational purposes only. Chemical control should only be used as a last resort, as organic approaches are safer and more environmentally friendly.