Yellow "Vomit Fungus" in Flower Beds: Slime Mold

Yellow slime mold in mulch

Eastern AR, hot/humid. Yellow foam-like growth in flower beds. Never seen before.

Identification: Fuligo septica (Vomit Slime Mold)

• Mass of microscopic spores on mulch surface.
• Thrives in thick, damp mulch layers.
• Harmless to plants—feeds on decaying organics.
• Spores airborne when disturbed.

Options

• Do nothing. Disappears in dry weather.
• Copper fungicide spray kills spores.
• Reduce mulch depth to 2-3 inches.
• Rake mulch to dry it out (wear mask).

Unsightly but benign. No plant damage.