I want to tell you about something creepy that I found hanging out with the cabbage in my raised garden bed. It looks like a cup full of eggs. My first thought was, “what type of creepy, crawly creature left this in my garden”? My newfound curiosity led me to Google Lens. Low and behold, it’s a type of mushroom known as the dung bird’s nest fungus. This fungus is the size of a tiny bead and grows in clusters. As I look closer, I can see why it’s called dung bird’s nest fungus.
As the dung bird’s nest fungus matures, it will open and resemble a nest full of eggs. This is why I thought some creepy-crawly creature left eggs in my garden. The dung bird’s nest fungus will grow on decaying timber, wood mulch, and dead vegetation. This fungus is tiny with a leathery texture and is considered inedible. However, it is not poisonous or harmful to humans and/or animals. The fungus is one of the most beneficial fungi that could be present in your garden because of its natural composting abilities. Dung bird’s nest fungus is a microorganism that feeds on dead organic matter and will speed up the decomposition process.
The appearance of the bird’s nest fungus is not its only interesting characteristic. The reproductive process for this fungus is like a scene from a waterpark. The eggs that are held in the nest like cup are known as periodoles and serve as a reproductive sac for the fungus spores. These periodoles are launched from the cup (also known as a splash cup) by a drop of rainwater. This is where it gets interesting.
Each periodole is connected to a cord. The cord is a fine, sticky tail like thread that unwinds several inches as the periodole sails through the air. As it flies past, it will attach to a blade of grass or twig. Once attached, it will begin to wrap around the grass or twig. The periodole will remain on the grass or twig until it dries and splits open to release the spores.
The spores will germinate and grow and begin branching out into hyphae also known as mycelium. The mycelium mass will wind its way through moist woody debris and consume it for energy to grow. Brid’s nest fungi in the garden helps with the decomposition of plant debris, which then enriches the soil. When two different mating strains of mycelium join, they will form a new bird’s nest fungus. This cycle happens between July and October.
Control measures are not necessary if you find bird’s nest fungi in your garden. However, If the fungi do present a problem, be sure to rake your garden regularly, keep soil moist, not saturated and use living mulches. Never use a fungicide because this will disturb the natural process of your ecosystem.
It never fails that when I find something that I think is creepy and/or disgusting, it turns out to be a beautiful and life sustaining natural phenomenon. This is another example of the everyday learning and growing experience I have at Muskingum Soil and Water.
