Mushrooms and Orange 'Carrot' Fungus in Yard: Stinkhorns, Not Toxic to Touch

Sudden white mushrooms turning black with mold, plus a soft orange carrot-shaped growth, are likely elegant stinkhorn (Phallus ravenelii) in early stage. They smell foul (rotting flesh) when mature. The orange "carrot" is the immature fruiting body.

Facts

• Grow on buried organic matter (mulch, roots).
• Not controllable with chemicals; mow or pick and discard.
• Some mushrooms are toxic if eaten—keep pets/kids away.
• Frost and sun will dry them naturally.

No harm to lawn; just a temporary nuisance.