• slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide

Bird Nest Fungus

Don’t fret when you discover small cup-like growths in your mulch. These are just the harmless reproductive structures of one of the bird’s nest fungi.

Bird’s nest fungi can be found all over the world on decomposing organic matter and usually in damp, shady conditions and most often seen in fall.

These tiny structures look just like a miniature bird’s nest.  Take a closer look and you’ll see small egg-shaped structures inside the cups. These are filled with fungal spores and attached to the cup by a cord-like structure.

When rain hits the cup, it sends the fungal spore structure flying through the air. The cord breaks and eventually attaches to a nearby branch, house, car or other structure. The egg-like structure swings around on the cord until it attaches to something. The shell of this egg-like structure degrades and releases the spores into the air.

A bit more information: You may also find a slime mold called dog vomit fungus growing on your mulch. It doesn’t harm the plants but looks just like the name implies. Just wait for it to dry up and disappear. Reduce the risk of the slime mold developing by lightly raking the mulch during rainy periods.

Upcoming Live Events
& Webinars


March 20, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

Maximize the Beauty and Enjoyment
in Any Small Space
Register now

March 23, 2024

REALTORS Home & Garden Show
West Allis, WI

March 27, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

How to Start a Garden for Beginners
Register now

April 3, 2024
Garden Trends 

Franklin Public Library, Franklin, WI

April 10, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

Container Gardening Throughout the Year
Register now

April 11, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

7 Steps to Managing Water Where it Falls in Your Yard
Register now

April 18, 2024
Be a Waterwise Gardener
Golden Rondelle Theater, Racine, WI
Register now

April 20, 2024
Pruning Hydrangeas and Other Shrubs 
Pasquesi Home & Gardens, Lake Bluff, IL

April 27, 2024
Ridges & Rivers Book Festival
Viroqua, WI

April 28, 2024
Flowering Trees and Shrubs
Ebert's Greenhouse Village, Ixonia, WI

May 1, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

Ornamental Fruits and Vegetables
Register now

WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS

Learn More

Book an Appearance

Learn More

Enter to Win The Birds & Blooms' Ultimate Gardening Guide !

ENTER NOW