Identifying Red Slimy Tubular Fungus in Garden

SE Pennsylvania gardener found red, slimy, tubular fungi (orange dust when crushed) in garden and under crepe myrtle. Asked if from potting soil and if harmful.

Identification

Likely "witches cap" mushroom (late summer, red cap, yellow stalk). Timing and habitat match.

Impact

• Not harming plants; beneficial—breaks down nutrients.
• Spores disperse by air/water; grow on decomposing organic matter.
• Most of organism is underground; visible part is reproductive.

Safety

Mushrooms are poorly studied; assume poisonous. Don't eat. Kick over before spores mature if unsightly.