When “Dead Man’s Fingers” Appear: A Practical Guide to Understanding This Backyard Fungus
Spotting dark, finger-like shapes pushing through mulch can feel like something out of a mystery novel. In many cases, these unusual growths are a fungus commonly called Dead Man’s Fingers, scientifically known as Xylaria polymorpha. While the name and appearance may sound alarming, this organism is generally harmless and plays an important ecological role by…