Stinkhorn Mushroom in Garden: Dog Stinkhorn Identified

Spongy object appeared overnight. Phallic shape, hole at tip oozing spore slime. Smells from 40–50 ft; flies love it.

Identification

Dog Stinkhorn (Phallaceae family). Similar: "Devil's Dipstick" (thinner). Color varies: pale white to pink-tipped.

Biology

• Spores in foul slime at tip.
• Flies disperse spores.
• Not harmful to plants—saprophytic on mulch/organic matter.

Reference

Walter Reeves ID page

Expert insight provided by Steve.