Brown Fungal Growth on Mississippi Coast Lawn: Identification and Safety

Mississippi Coast. Heavy rains. Brown, low-growing (1.5") fungi resembling decaying pine cones with jagged edges and root-like structures. Rapidly spreading. Want ID and eradication before lawn is gone.

Likely Candidate: Naematoloma fasciculare (Sulfur Tuft)

Search images for "Naematoloma fasciculare" — matches pine cone-like clusters on decaying wood.

Key Facts

• Wood-decay fungus (saprobic), not a grass pathogen.
• Fruiting on buried wood, roots, construction debris.
• Appears when temp/humidity favorable; disappears when conditions change.
• Does not kill grass (but grass may be thin where wood decays).
• Toxic if ingested. Keep kids/pets away.

Management

1. Remove visible fruiting bodies (bag, trash) to reduce spores.
2. Locate and remove buried wood source if feasible.
3. Improve drainage/aeration.
4. Wait for weather change—fungus will retreat.

Don't Panic

Lawn isn't being "killed." Fungus is decomposing wood. Grass thinning is from shade/moisture/competition, not fungal attack.