Dog stink horn fungus

It can be alarming the first time you encounter this strange, smelly fungus.  

This fungus pops up from time to time on lawns, mulch or even bare soil. Remember that fungi are the fruiting body of a much larger organism which play an important role in cycling dead organic matter. This function improves soil and makes nutrients available to plants.

Why is it called stink horn? See the olive-coloured coating on the stink horn on the left? This stinky coating attract flies and other insects which then move the spores to other locations to start the life cycle over again. Ingenious.

The immature form looks like a pinkish or purplish egg and grows to its full height in a few hours. It disappears on its own in a couple of days. If you find it too scandalous for your garden, just don some gloves and toss it.

They are not known to be toxic but you wouldn't find them appetizing anyway. Many dogs love the disgusting aroma, so err on the side of caution and pick them before the dog can feast on them.

Fun fact: Dog Stink Horn belongs to a family of fungi called Phallaceae.