Most bird's nest fungi in Minnesota belong to Cyathus or Crucibulum. When it sticks to a twig or stem, the peridiole swings around its anchor point, wrapping the cord around the stem. When the peridiole is ejected from the nest, the cord separates from the nest, giving the peridiole a four-inch tail. In the genera Cyathus and Crucibulum, the peridiole is attached to the nest by a coiled cord.Fungi in the genera Mycocalia, Nidularia and Nidula have sticky peridioles. When a peridiole hits a solid object such as a leaf or twig, it sticks to the surface in one of two ways.The dimensions and shape of the nest are such that the force of a water drop hitting the bottom of the cup is enough to throw the peridioles over one yard from the nest. The peridioles of bird's nest fungi are splashed out of the nest by falling water drops. Immature fruiting bodies look like tiny puffballs, which open into cups as they mature.The shiny peridioles are generally black or dark brown but may also be white.Commonly light brown but may be white, gray, yellow or rust colored.Usually only 1/4 inch in height or diameter.Shiny peridioles are nestled inside like eggs.Look like miniature bird's nests or cups.Repot the plant in a potting medium that does not contain manure or wood to prevent the fungi from returning. To help control these fungi, remove any fungal fruiting bodies from the surface of the soil. These are the egg-like structures that have been ejected by the fungi. The first sign is shiny black or dark brown growths that look like seeds or insects on the leaves. These fungi are rarely noticed unless they are brought indoors on container-grown plants. The sticky spore cases adhere to plant leaves and other surfaces, including home siding and patio furniture. These structures can be ejected 3 feet or more. The fungi are usually spread in manure, but some species may contaminate seed mixes.Īll of these fungi can forcibly eject their spores in hard egg-like structures called peridioles. They can also be found on old boards used to edge garden beds and on wooden plant labels and stakes. In the garden, the tiny fungi (under 1/4 inch tall) are usually found on the surface of soil that has been enriched with manure, sawdust or wood chips. Since these fungi live only on decaying plant matter, they do not harm living plants. They are all saprophytes, which grow on manure or decaying wood. The fully developed fruiting body may range from 6 to 10 inches in height and is more or less horn shaped.īird's nest fungi ( Mycocalia, Nidularia, Nidula, Cyathus, and Crucibulum spp.), sphere throwers ( Sphaerobolus spp.), and shotgun fungi ( Pilobolus spp.) are three separate groups of fungi with many similarities. This slime contains sticky spores and attracts flies that spread the fungal spores. The tip of the horn or cap is often covered with green, sticky slime that has a bad odor. Under ideal conditions, stalks may elongate in as little as one half-hour. Eventually, the mushroom stalk, also inside the egg, elongates. Do not eat stinkhorn eggs.Ĭutting through a mature egg will reveal a fully developed mushroom cap with spores. Young stinkhorns develop within a round or flattened egg, one to three inches in diameter, which may be white, pink, lilac or beige. They are not harmful, and no control is necessary.They are usually produced during wet, cool periods in late summer and fall.In the woods, they are commonly found near uprooted trees, near decayed logs or in humus.Stinkhorns can be found in lawns, around the base of dead trees, or in flowerbeds mulched with wood chips.
During cool, wet weather, spores germinate and produce single-celled amoeba-like spores (swimming spores).Slime molds survive winter in soil and thatch layers as spores.Although typically classified as fungi, slime molds are unique in their development.