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

did a red mushroom suddenly grow in my mulch?

The fungus may already have been present in the decomposing organic material. When conditions become favorable, the visible fruiting body can develop very quickly, sometimes within a day or two.

Does the smell mean the mushroom is poisonous?

No. A foul smell is a characteristic of many stinkhorns and helps attract insects that spread their spores. However, smell cannot establish whether an unidentified mushroom is safe or poisonous.

Will stinkhorns kill my flowers or vegetables?

Stinkhorns generally feed on dead and

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