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Dog Vomit Slime Mold: Harmless but Gross Mulch Resident

The spongy, then meringue-like, then black crust on your mulch is dog vomit slime mold (Fuligo septica). It's a harmless protist that feeds on decaying wood chips.

Management

Ignore it—it will disappear on its own. Or wash it away with a hose if the appearance bothers you.

About Gardening: Stemmadenia (Milky Way Tree) White Underside Fungus: Downy Mildew Suspect; Black Threads in Spalted Elm: Fungal Mycelia, Not a Hazard; Fungus Gnats in Dwarf Banana Office Plants: Dry Soil and Fly Paper; Pine Green/Gray Fungus: Lichens, Not Disease; Persistent Fungus Gnats in Houseplants: Cultural and Biological Controls; Brown Dog Tick Infestation: Complete Home and Pet Control Guide; Slime Mold on Lawn: Harmless, Short-Lived; Tomato Early Blight and Gardener Allergies: Fungicide Treatment and Personal Protection; Strange Fungus in Antique Furniture: Identification and Safety; Earthstar Fungus (Scleroderma geaster): Star-Shaped, Inedible

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