Text and Photos by
Andrew and Sarah Jane Marcus

Something is ROTTEN in Sligo Creek

What is that smell?

If you have been by the Hillwood Manor Gardens recently (where the Sligo Creek Trail intersects New Hampshire) you have probably noticed an unpleasant smell. The stench is from an amazing fungus know as the stinkhorn. Stinkhorns are gross! (and who does not like that at least a little?) There are two species growing in the garden, one a bright orange with a trio of stems that looks like a squid and the other a pink stalk with a red head covered in brown slime. Two things distinguish stinkhorns from other fungi: one, they have a foul smelling slime that covers some part of the fruiting body (the “mushroom” or part of the fungus you can see) and two, the fruiting body emerges from a structure in the ground that looks like an egg. The stinkhorn slime attracts flies and other insects by giving off an odor like rotting meat or sewage. The spores get on the feet and in the stomachs of these insects and are then dispersed. Sometimes though, as is the case here, they can be dispersed by humans moving sod, soil, or wood chips containing stinkhorn spores to a new area. Stinkhorns are not harmful to you, your children or your pets, but as with any other wild mushroom you should not play with or eat them. If you do handle them, wash your hands as soon as possible afterwards.

There is another fungus growing in this garden that is also often introduced with mulch. This one is tiny, lacks an odor and blends in with the mulch it grows on, so you have to look close to find it. This darling fungus looks like it belongs in a doll house. It is called birdsnest fungus, and a quick look at it will tell you why. Birdsnest fungus forms little cups that contain spore filled “eggs.” The cup is a splashcup; when a drop of rain falls into the cup it propels the eggs into the air. The eggs then attach themselves to trees, twigs, or leaves.

If you have a chance, stop by the garden and check out these incredible fungi for yourself!

This species of stinkhorn has a pink stalk and a red head covered with brown slime.

This species of stinkhorn has a trio of orange stalks that look squid-like.

The stinkhorn slime attracts flies and other insects by giving off an odor
like rotting meat or sewage.

The fruiting body of a stinkhorn emerges from a structure
in the ground that looks like an egg.

Hillwood Manor Garden is filled with two species of stinkhorn.

Hillwood Manor Garden has birdnest fungus growing in the mulch.

A close-up of birdsnest fungus, showing the splashcups and “eggs” (spore sacs).