Black slime mold on grass. Slime mold must have been the inspiration for many "B" grade monster movies. Slime mold doesn’t cause the Slime molds commonly occur on all warm- and cool- season turfgrasses across Alabama. Slime molds may be found on all cultivated and weedy grasses. (The black object in lower left corner is a cluster of eggs. The images showed wet, black patches clinging to grass blades and pooling over the soil. Rest assured, black slime mold is one of the most harmless organisms you can find growing in your lawn or garden. ). Once in the air, the mold develops the reproductive phase, which consists Black Mold on Bermuda Grass. . The grass recovers after the mold has turned to spore. Before you came upon it, your slime mold was a yellow glob creeping across your lawn like a pile of motorized scrambled eggs. It looks like if it were to move it would attack you like something from a 1950s horror film. What looks like black mold in grass is usually a species called slime mold. I feel like I should say the words slime mold like a villain from a 1950s horror movie and then give a devilish laugh. As the slime mold matures and dries, it can become crusty, presenting as a black, gray, or orange substance coating the grass blades. This mold is usually a transient guest. Black mold (Physarum sp. Noticed slimy black spots on your grass? It could be slime mold. Being non-parasitic, it is one of the less Slime Molds Description Slime molds are harmless, fungus-like organisms that use grass blades as a substrate for structural support during reproduction. Causal agents Slime molds, which are taxonomically classified as myxomycetes, are the causal agents of slime mold occurrences on turfgrasses. It’s important to distinguish between harmless organisms like black slime mold and damaging fungal diseases such Dec 21, 2024 · On grass, slime mold can appear as slimy, thin, irregular, or circular-shaped deposits covering the grass blades. Slime mold helps break down organic matter and recycles nutrients back into the soil, benefiting the overall health of your lawn. Learn more inside. This type of mold, often referred to as charcoal rot, can cause significant damage to your lawn and pose potential health risks. These fungi thrive in specific environmental conditions such as high humidity, excessive moisture, poor air circulation, and nutrient imbalances in the soil. The most common forms on turf resemble small purple or black balls attached to a blade of grass, or a readily noticeable creamy‑white to yellow‑orange jelly‑like mass situated on the lawn. They are found in a large range of colors including black, white, orange, yellow, and pink. Slime molds may appear in maintained turfgrass as well as in organic mulched ornamental and vegetable planting beds. Discover signs of black slime mold and its effects on grass health. Scientific Name: Mucilago spp. Symptoms Globular or spherical structures form on grass blades. They do not cause disease on turfgrasses as they feed only on decaying organic matter, but they can be an aesthetic concern. Fortunately, with the right knowledge and approach, you can effectively eliminate black mold from your grass and restore its health. Slime mold, as well as any mushrooms or toadstools, can be knocked out with baking soda, potassium bicarbonate, cornmeal, cornmeal tea, hydrogen peroxide, or commercial products like BioSafe Disease Control. The black powder also gets on shoes, dogs and kids, but will wash off. The fungus causes no lasting damage to the grass but it does render it unsightly. Primary Grass Affected: All grass types Brief Description: Light layer of blue-gray, yellow, or black dust coating the grass blades in irregular patches. Slime molds can be found on your grass, but may also make their way onto trees, mulch, or other surfaces. The gross-looking substance known as slime mold shows up on mulch and lawns, but is harmless to plants. , and grows best in hot, humid conditions, usually requiring temperatures or 75 degrees F or higher. Learn how to manage this common garden issue. Slime molds are saprophytic fungal-like organisms that obtain their nutrients from dead or decaying organic matter in soil or thatch. Slime mold doesn’t feed on living plants, but uses the foliage only for support during its reproduction and dispersal. I’ve noticed that it typically appears as black or dark-colored patches, sometimes with a slimy texture, that spread across the grass. ) are different from most turfgrass pathogens in that they do not directly infect the plant. Mow unaffected areas first and diseased areas last to avoid infecting a healthy lawn. In their gelatinous stage, turfgrass slime molds may also be white, gray, blue, red, orange, brown or black. Although not directly damaged by slime molds, the aesthetic quality of a turfgrass stand may be affected by their presence. Lawn diseases can turn your piece of nature into an unsightly area. On lawns, it’s sometimes called “dog vomit fungus” – which gives you a pretty clear idea of what it looks like. Fertilization, weed control & pest solutions for a greener, healthier lawn. Slime molds appear as small, round balls scattered over the leaf blades, giving turfgrass an ashy or dusty-gray Signs of Slime Mold in your lawn include massive numbers of pinhead-sized fruiting bodies sprouting up on grass leaf blades and stems. Most of the slime molds you see on your lawns are of the acellular type. On the lawn and garden radio show this past Saturday, a nice lady called in wondering about this black, gooey substance that was growing in her yard. Acellular (or Plasmodial) slime molds exist as large, single cells with multiple nuclei. Slime mold takes many forms. You can make your yard look better by raking the affected areas and washing slime mold from the area using your garden hose. Discover causes, harmless effects, and easy removal tips to keep your lawn healthy and mold-free. How to identify slime molds Slime molds tend to have a wet and slimy appearance and also often appear veiny or webbed. The name is kind of cool. and Fuligo sp), commonly called slime mold, produces a grayish-black covering over the grass blades of Bermuda grass and other warm-season turfgrass varieties. Learn about black slime mold on grass. The slime mold Fuligo septica looks like dog vomit or scrambled eggs when seen on turf or mulch. Turfgrass may appear yellow because of leaf blades colonized by slime mold. Physical disturbances, such as mowing the grass or scratching the slime mold in beds, are also effective. For those of us in the lawn care industry, lawn mold usually refers to Slime Mold, a non-serious condition that can occur on lawns, usually occurring in the summer, especially after a good rain. The fungi that incite the most serious diseases in our lawns are parasites -- fungi that can attack living plants. If you find small patches of a powdery substance on your lawn, it's most likely Slime Mold! Learn more about this lawn disease and how it's affecting turfs d Slime Mold – On Lawn Q: Recently we had our grandchildren over and they ran all over our bermuda lawn. The fungus usually disappears during dry weather. The genera Mucilago, Didymium, Physarum, and Fuligo are commonly associated with slime molds affecting turf I had a slime mold infestation in some of my house plants, which looked very different from this (mine was yellow, not black). Learn about slime mold on grass, its development, identification, causes, prevention, and treatment. When they came in the house their sneakers were black. It also was covered with black dust. Is your lawn at risk of slime mold? Discover the mystery of slime mold on grass and learn how to get rid of that white and black slime mold on your lawn. Discover what causes slime mold on grass, how to prevent it, and effective treatments to keep your lawn lush and healthy. Slime molds survive winter in soil and thatch layers as spores. Get more info here. Black slime mold, also known as lawn mold or dog vomit mold, is a common type of mold that can appear on grass, especially in damp and shaded areas. Slime mold is a type of fungus that can appear as dark, slimy patches or crusty pustules on the grass. Symptoms Watery white, gray, black, or cream-to-yellow Quick guide to safely removing black slime mold from your grass and adjusting your lawn care to prevent its return. But for this problem, chemicals rarely work. Slight turf blade yellowing can occur because the slime mold blocks photosynthesis. They are most prevalent following prolonged periods of leaf wetness and may be observed from late spring to late fall. Cinnamon is a very powerful anti-fungal. Could this be some sort of fungus? A: A great guess! Professional lawn care services by Weed Man. The presence of slime mold is more of a curiosity than a problem. com, most lawn diseases come from fungi that live off grass. It is called slime mold (Physarum spp. Fear not my Types and Causes of Mold Mold and fungal issues in gardens often stem from spores that thrive in moist environments. But that doesn’t really make up for its unsettling appearance. In this article, I explain what black slime mold on grass is and how it spreads to new lawns. Black fungus, including common types like slime mold and sooty mold, feeds on the grass and organic matter within the soil, depriving your lawn of essential nutrients. In fact, its only harm is that it looks gross. To identify slime mold on your lawn, look for patches of slimy, black, or greenish-black substance on the grass blades. While it may look unsightly, black slime mold is not harmful to humans or pets. The distressed cells joined together in a single-walled, gelatinous structure, or slime mold. Scientific analysis and theories Oviducts of amphibians regurgitated by predators. I covered a broom with a white towel and brushed it over the grass. What is Slime Mold? Slime Mold is caused by the fungus Mucilago spp. Applying the fungicide mancozeb is only necessary in severe cases. Although the colors diminish after a few weeks and return your lawn to its original condition, it is possible for some slight yellowing to appear due to spores that prevent sunlight from reaching the grass blades. If you see some black tints in your lawn and look closely, you can see a large number of pinhead sized fruit on the blades of grass. Slime molds (causal organisms: Mucilago, Physarum, and Fuligo spp. The mold may appear as small, scattered spots or larger, more extensive patches. When the structures break, masses of fine, dark spores are released. During cool, wet weather, spores germinate and produce single-celled amoeba-like spores (swimming spores). Slime molds do not cause disease, but their sudden appearance as white, yellow, gray, pink, purple, or brown patches on grasses may cause alarm. Slime mold on grass is a common problem that many homeowners face. However, it did keep coming back until I poured a ton of cinnamon and mixed it into the soil. And it has such a creepy name; slime mold. It goes away. Raking is usually enough to break up patches of slime mold and restore your lawn or garden. "What is black slime that is growing on my front lawn and how do I get rid of it?" they wrote. It appears in many colors: yellow, white, orange, black, pink, grey, purple, and brown. The most obvious symptoms are the various colored spore masses, white, gray, brown, purple, or black, that suddenly appear on the grass blades. Mar 26, 2025 · A slime mold is a single-celled organism that can grow on your grass and spreads through spores. They emerge from the soil as a thin sheet of whitish to yellow slime and grow on the surface and up any support, including grass blades and other plants. It looks like a fungal lawn disease, but it isn’t a true fungus, and it’s not a disease, either. What is slime mold? Seeing black or yellow patches on grass? It could be slime mould. ) Fructification of a slime mold The false puffball slime mold in its aethalioid jelly phase Myxarium nucleatum, a clear, gelatinous fungus that grows on decaying wood. Learn how to identify it and how to get rid of it. Its a harmless fungus (orange slime mold). Getting rid of black slime, also known as slime mold, in your lawn can be a bit tricky. Dec 28, 2025 · Black mold on grass, often referred to as slime mold, can be a surprising sight on a well-maintained lawn. Slime molds are primitive fungi that use living turfgrass plants for structural support. They appear as a slimy, creamy-white or black substance on lawns in moist and warm conditions. Spore masses appear on grass blades as slimy circular or irregular-shaped Aug 8, 2025 · Black patches or substances appearing on your grass can stem from several causes, most commonly fungal infections or molds. Black mold on grass can be a unsightly and worrisome problem for homeowners. Black mold in your lawn can be a frustrating and unsightly problem that needs immediate attention. The fungus grows prolifically in the southern United States, where it prefers warm, humid conditions. Not only does it detract from the beauty of your outdoor space, but it can also have negative effects on your lawn’s health and pose risks to you and your pets. Learn how to identify and remove it with simple, non-chemical methods that protect your lawn. Cultural practices are the preferred method of control for slime mold outbreaks. Collect and dispose of grass clippings in the garbage when slime mold is present. Learn now. Dec 14, 2024 · Slime mold is a unique single-celled organism that can show up as slimy or crusty patches of white, black, gray, brown, yellow, orange, or purple on your lawn. Slime molds can occur on all grasses. Soil with growing grass and mold, closeup Close up of Honeycomb Coral Slime Mold (Ceratiomyxa fruticulosa), a common type of slime mold found on decaying wood in Bogor botanical gardens When black mold appears seemly out of nowhere, leaving patches of black slime on the lawn, grabbing the nearest fungicide is tempting. It’s not harmful to plants but can be unsightly. Two common yard fungi are slime molds and snow molds, but these fungi rarely damage lawns and disappear as quickly as they appear. “It’s called slime mold and is not harming the grass or plants in the mulch,” he said. Instead it feeds on decaying matter, fungi or bacteria, according to Neil Bell, a horticulturist for Oregon State University Extension Service. Management Remove slime mold by brushing or mowing the affected area to knock down the mold. or Fuligo spp. Slime Mold Signs and Symptoms Eye-catching in appearance, the blue-gray, yellow, and black shades of slime mold stand out against green grass. Slime mold, in particular, appears on mulch after prolonged moisture, like after rainfall or consistent humidity. I get that on my dogwoods when I trim them back. Less common varieties of slime mold Have questions about slime mold lawn disease and how to identify and prevent it? Consult SpringGreen's Lawn Care Guide for all the answers! Have questions about slime mold lawn disease and how to identify and prevent it? Consult SpringGreen's Lawn Care Guide for all the answers! Black slime mold on grass can be an eyesore, but rarely causes serious harm to the grass. Any damage to living turf and other plants comes from shade, which may cause the leaf blades to temporarily turn yellow. These fruiting bodies often appear white, gray or purplish-brown and resemble a bulp sitting atop a skinny stem. According to Allaboutlawns. Biology Slime molds are related to fungi. They may be white or gray and often turn purplish brown. Learn more about slime mold on lawns in this article. What you see are the fungi’s fruiting structures. Although they are not harmful to the grass, they can be unsightly and unnerving. Because slime mold is not a plant pathogen, it is generally innocuous to your lawn and vanishes on its A Redditor posted photos of a dark, glossy substance taking over their front lawn and asked the r/gardening community for help. Slime molds are primitive organisms that are considered fungi. Maintain a slime mold-free lawn with effective techniques. Although typically classified as fungi, slime molds are unique in their development. The vigilant gardener may wonder, "What is this dark stuff in my lawn?" It is slime mold, of which there are many varieties. Even though it spreads via spores, like a fungus, it isn’t a fungal lawn disease. The grayish-black colored slime covering your turf’s leaf blades have a very similar appearance as if someone poured ashes from your fireplace all over the lawn. Though unsightly, black mold is relatively benign and not difficult to treat. Slime molds are not dangerous, but in the lawn large persistent molds can leave grass yellow because it reduces sunlight to the blades. They feed on decaying organic manner and other organisms in the thatch layer and soil. Most slime mold causing fungi on turfgrasses belong to the genera of Physarum, Fuligo, and Mucilago. i6pzsu, l7envl, ppap, ljlpy, tbts5, xtefo, wtus, ypaic, j5orq, xwq9r,