Slime Mold Facts

Slime mold in mulch. 

Occasionally in the spring and summer, growths of slime mold can be seen on surfaces such as lawns, organic mulches and rotting logs and leaves.  Slime mold (the formal name is Fuligo septica) is unsightly but harmless. 

The following is true of slime molds:

• They can be off-white, brown, yellow, salmon, orange or brick red.
• Typically, they occur in warm, wet conditions, often in the same location each year.
• Although they may look alarming, they pose no harm to lawn grasses.
• Because they feed on bacteria, other fungi and decaying organic matter, they will not damage any green plant.
• Control of slime molds is not necessary since they pose no threat to humans or plants.
• They will disappear in dry weather.
• In wet or humid weather, remove slime molds with a rake or broom in order to avoid unsightly appearance.  In drier conditions, a garden hose may be used to spray away the growth.
• In most cases, the slime mold will turn black and disintegrate within a few days on its own.

Slime mold in turf.