What Is the Red, Smelly Thing Growing in My Backyard? The Surprising Truth About Stinkhorn Mushrooms

that can be downright unpleasant. Some resemble slender red fingers, while others look like tiny horns or strange, spongy structures.

But here’s the interesting part: while stinkhorns can look alarming, they’re often simply doing what fungi do best—breaking down organic material and spreading their spores.

Still, identifying the exact species from a quick backyard glance isn’t always easy. And when someone says a mushroom is “safe,” it’s important to understand what that actually means.

Let’s take a closer look at how to recognize a red stinkhorn, why it smells so

There’s more to discover. Continue to the next page for the rest of this article.