Native Plants

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

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Wednesday - April 25, 2012

From: Lansing, MI
Region: Midwest
Topic: Compost and Mulch, Diseases and Disorders
Title: Need to identify a fungus in a flower garden in Lansinging, MI.
Answered by: Jimmy Mills

QUESTION:

I have a fungus in my flower garden. It is white and ground hugging. It is in a moist area under a large spruce where mulch has been laid down. When I step on it , it expels a green dust. What is it and how do I get rid of it? Thank you Pete

ANSWER:

What you are describing is very typical of many fungi. They grow in shaded, moist areas with organic matter to provide food. The green dust you mention is a cloud of spores that disseminate the fungus. However, nothing in your description gives Mr. Smarty Plants a clue as to the identity of the fungus in question.