Q: We have something growing around the base of some shrubs. It looks like some kind of fungus. The first day we noticed it, it was spongy looking. A couple days later it looked like a stiff meringue. Now it’s turning black. What can we do to control it?

A: Someone had a good time naming this one! Its common name is “dog vomit fungus”, for obvious reasons. It is actually a slime mold which digests wood chip mulch. It is harmless but fascinating to observe.

If you don’t like looking at it you can wash it away with a water hose.

See also:
Dog Vomit Fungus Pictures and Information

Slime Molds