Bird’s Nest Fungi

Q:There are little white cones things that come up in my garden. Then four little dots seems to just appear in the cone. Any suggestions?

A: These are called birds nest fungi. The cup-like structure contains “eggs” that have fungal spores inside.

When a raindrop falls into the “cup”, it splashes the “eggs” out some distance away. The egg releases a long tube that catches on anything it strikes. Spores are released and the fungus resumes its job of decomposing organic matter in the soil.

Birds nest fungi are not harmful. If you don’t care for them, simply disturb them with a rake.

Birds nest fungi

birds nest fungi illustration

Excellent photos!

birds nest fungi

birds nest fungi