The Wonders of Fungi

Joanne K., Pitt County Extension Master Gardener Volunteer

Walking along a woodland trail, you may spy some shelf-like growths protruding from a tree trunk or some tiny toadstools covering a decaying tree stump. After rainy periods, white puff balls may suddenly appear in a circle in the middle of your lawn.

With their unique shapes and colors, these organisms are attention grabbers providing lots of visual interest in our environment. But what are they?

Bird's-nest-fungi, Nidulariaceae - NC State Extension
So named because the peridoles ("eggs") create the appearance of a bird's nest. When rain ejects them from the nest, they spread far and wide. Once the egg dries and splits, the spores are projected into the environment.

These organisms are the fruiting bodies of fungi that live in the environment. The fungus itself is in the soil and is composed of hyphae (white filaments).

Fungi are in their own kingdom and can't photosynthesize like plants so they must get their nutrients, particularly carbon, elsewhere. Most fungi are saprophytes which are organisms that get their nutrition from dead organic matter such as decaying tree stumps or dead leaves. In turn, the nitrogen, carbon, and minerals that the fungi doesn't absorb is recycled back into the environment allowing other living organisms to use them.

This feasting on dead organic matter is crucial in our environment as it breaks down dead leaves, branches, bugs, and animals that would otherwise litter the land. This return of nutrients to nature is vital to the survival of many plants and animals and critical for maintaining soil health. Fungi are an indispensable link in the circle of life.

Decomposition occurs within the soil through the fungi's white filaments. The above ground structures contain the spores that will spread the fungi throughout the environment.

Other fungi work with plant roots as mycorrhizae, which is Greek for fungus- root. They may not have a fruiting body. They attach to plant roots forming a thread-like network extending beyond the roots. This network absorbs more water and nutrients, especially phosphorus, which it supplies to the plant. In turn, the plant sends some of its sugar and carbon to the fungi in a mutual exchange.

Stinkorn, Phallus impudicus - NC State Extension
Stinkhorns live up to their name smelling like dung or rotting flesh. The smell attracts flies and other insects that eat the slime at the stinkhorn tip carrying its spores to new locations.

Ringless Honey Mushrooms, Desarmillaria caespitosa - Joanne K.
This mushroom can cause Armillaria root rot in hardwoods such as oaks. It should be removed as soon as it's noticed as it will kill the tree over time.

The mycorrhizae can also extend beyond one tree to connect its roots to two or more trees helping all of the trees to survive particularly during weather extremes such as prolonged droughts. Many trees, especially oaks, pines, and other conifers, need these partners for healthy growth.

Fungi can be harmless, but unless you are an expert, don't eat mushrooms in your yard or along the trail. it's tough to identify the edible from the poisonous. While some mushrooms can just cause unpleasant digestive discomfort, others can be deadly.

False Parasol, Chlorophyllum molybdites (aka fairy rings) - Joanne K.
According to northern European mythology, fairy rings were created when fairies danced in circles at night forming a ring in the grass. While these mushrooms look edible, they are not. Known as the "vomiter", they won't kill you but can cause severe abdominal distress.

False Turkey Tail Fungus, Stereum ostrea - Michigan State University Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, Bonito Lab
The name ostrea is from "oyster" and describes its shape. It's saprophytic meaning that it feeds on hardwood tree barks and on decaying organic materials such as dead leaves.

If you are concerned that a curious child or pet may want to sample the toadstools in your yard, cut them down and toss them in the trash to keep the spores from spreading. There are no chemicals to remove fungi from mulches and lawns. However, within a few days, these growths will disappear.