Who doesn’t love to see a healthy yard and wonderful garden paths as a homeowner? To actualize that, they often put on a layer of mulch to enhance the soil quality and prevent the growth of stubborn weeds.
However, you may spot some new presence of unknown vigorous mushrooms after a while. You have no idea about them, and many questions are crossing your head. What kind of mushrooms grow in mulch? Are they edible?
Calm your thoughts because we are here to help. Read on to find your answers now on gardening101.net!
What Causes Mushrooms To Grow In Mulch?
Can mushrooms grow in mulch? The answer is yes. One of the biggest reasons mushrooms grow inside mulch is allowing much moisture to get trapped in certain spots. Thus, creating a perfect environment for mushrooms to thrive.
Mushrooms In Mulch – Good Or Bad?
Many people mislead wild mushrooms as being a bad sign of soil. The truth is, mushrooms thriving in your landscape mulch is a positive indicator that you are nourishing a super-rich organic material. Some of them are even edible mushrooms.
Mushrooms play an integral part when assisting the soil in decomposing complex organic compounds to aid the growth of your landscape plants! So, what mushrooms grow in mulch? Scroll down for more!
What Kind Of Mushrooms Grow In Mulch?
Salt-loving Mushrooms
As the name implies, a salt-loving mushroom is frequently seen in natural mulch along the coast of oceans. California, Oregon, and Washington are among the states where these vigorous mushrooms are prevalent.
They often have a huge and spherical shape, with the color white or brown. Most of the time, this plant grows individually. However, they thrive in groups in some cases, also called mushroom colonies.
Can you eat mushrooms that grow in mulch? They are edible mushrooms. But since their taste is quite strong with a briny odor, many people dislike them.
Yellow Field Cap
If you have the opportunity to witness the presence of this garden mushroom, you are the lucky one.
The Yellow Field cap comes with an adorable and colorful appearance, which can easily catch your attention at first sight. It is extremely transient, changing shape and color within a bit of time.
You may see it with the vivid yellow color in the morning. However, the white color will probably take the lead when it comes to the sunset point. Not even enough; it might completely disappear by midnight.
Ash-Tree Bolete
You could likely find these types of mushroom flourishing in your mulch if you grow an ash tree.
The Ash-Tree bolete mushroom has its origin in the United States, from Wisconsin to Alabama, as well as the East Coast.
It is edible, yet we do not recommend consuming this kind of mushroom due to its bitter and acidic taste. It is better to employ this mushroom as a natural dye, with the signature color of brown.
Shaggy Parasol Mushroom
One of the most common plants found in mulch is the shaggy parasol mushroom. It takes on an intriguing shape as it thrives. Although it contains brownish scales and ridges, its flesh has a beautiful clean white color.
The cap looks initially like a small egg, but when it grows, it expands into a huge and flat one, which may interest your appeal.
Although this fungus is consumable, it is known to cause allergic reactions in some people. It won’t kill you, but it can pose several serious health problems. Gastrointestinal issues are the most popular ones.
For that reason, keep in mind that never try this species of mushroom unless you ensure that your body is fine to consume. Otherwise, you might see yourself appearing in the hospital because of a small mushroom.
White Dapperling
Another one you can find in your mulch is the white dappling mushroom. It comes with a tall and white appearance, with a brown or yellow cap.
The interesting thing is that this cap can grow up to 5-inch in diameter, as well as a broad base.
Once again, do not try to eat this since many people have experienced stomach problems after consuming it. Furthermore, this fungus resembles Amanita ocreata, a poisonous and bad mushroom known as the death angel mushroom. Therefore, it would be a disaster if you took in the wrong one.
Lizard’s Claw Stinkhorn
The lizard’s claw stinkhorn mushroom is the last candidate appearing on this list. What makes this stinkhorn fungus so special is that it does not have a cap, unlike other types of mushrooms. Instead, it contains various reddish-colored wires that resemble arms sticking out of the top.
This mushroom can easily be identified by its appearance, but if you need to make it more sure, give it a sniff. There’s a reason it’s called a stinkhorn fungus!
How To Remove Mushrooms From Your Mulch?
When you notice nuisance fungi growth in your fresh mulch, you can easily withdraw them. However, this will not treat the problem from the root. If you want to see them disappear forever, follow these useful tips. You will surely be content with the result they bring back.
Tip #1: Always keep your yard tidy by regularly removing leaves or dead flowers and animal droppings surrounding. Thus, preventing the flourishing of mushrooms.
Tip #2: Use a garden fork to rake up your mulch a couple of times each month. This action will provide more fresh air for the bark mulch and help eliminate the moisture.
Tip #3: Adding a new layer of mulch every new season. By doing so, you will prevent the birth of stubborn weeds. It is also ideal for applying a fungicide, which will get the job done easily and effectively.
Tip #4: Cut down your plants and bushes to restrain the fungal growth since shady places and wet environments are the best conditions for fungi to bloom.
Besides, remember to use the garden hose to water your landscaping regularly. Consequently, you will create a perfect environment for fungi.
Tip #5: Do not use any mulch! If you have a large garden mushroom invasion, using mature compost instead is a perfect choice. It would be a great alternative food source for mulch since it is easy to buy and can even be produced by yourself.
Conclusion
Now you must know what kind of mushrooms grow in mulch for sure. Mushroom growth is a part of nature to your landscaping. However, there are still some ways to keep your yard always in good working order.
Simply follow our guides to eliminate all of the nuisance fungi. Do you have any questions? Leave us a comment below!