It sounds like you found a very unusual fungus called a Stinkhorn fungus—most likely the Devil’s Fingers or a related stinkhorn species. These mushrooms often look alien-like, with bright red “fingers” or berry‑like structures coming out of a pale or fuzzy base.
What You’re Seeing 🍄
- Fuzzy egg or cone shape at first – stinkhorn fungi start as a soft “egg” under the soil.
- Bright red arms or berry-looking parts – when they mature, they burst open into strange shapes.
- Strong smell – many stinkhorns smell like rotting meat to attract flies that spread their spores.
Why It Appears
These fungi often grow:
- Under trees or mulch
- In damp soil or wood chips
- After rainy or humid weather
They’re part of nature’s decomposition system, helping break down organic matter.
Is It Dangerous?
- Generally not harmful to touch.
- Not considered edible.
- The smell can be unpleasant, which is why they’re called “stinkhorns.”
What To Do
- If you don’t like it, simply remove it with gloves and discard it.
- Reducing mulch moisture or turning the soil may reduce future growth.
✅ Bottom line:
It’s almost certainly a stinkhorn fungus, which looks strange but is a normal and harmless part of the ecosystem.
📸 If you want, you can describe the exact shape or color pattern (or share a photo), and I can help identify the exact species—some of them look incredibly bizarre.
