What is Artillery Fungus?
Artillery fungus, also known as shotgun or cannonball fungus, is a type of fungus identified as Sphaerobolus stellatus. It is characterized by its unique ability to forcefully eject its spores into the air, often landing on surfaces up to 20 feet away.
Appearance and Identification
The spores of artillery fungus appear as small, sticky, black dots, typically 1-2 millimeters in diameter. These dots can be mistaken for tar, scale insects, or insect excrement. When these spots are scraped open, they reveal a whitish, finely granular, gummy-like center.
Growth Conditions
Artillery fungus thrives in moist environments, particularly in wood chip mulch, decaying fallen trees, and other rotting wood. It also grows well in animal dung. The fungus requires both sunlight and moisture to grow and is most active during the cool weather of spring and fall, with optimal growth temperatures between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Impact
While artillery fungus is not harmful to humans, pets, or garden plants, and does not cause structural damage, it can be quite a nuisance. The unsightly stains it leaves on surfaces such as siding, windows, railings, and cars can be difficult to remove and are often persistent.
Removal Methods
There are no fungicides available to control artillery fungus; removal must be done mechanically. Effective removal methods include scraping the spots followed by cleaning with soap and hot water or using bleach water for non-porous surfaces. Power washing can also be used, but it should be done with caution to avoid damaging the surface.
Prevention
To prevent artillery fungus, consider using alternative mulches such as bark mulch or cedar mulch, which are less prone to the fungus. Regularly stirring the mulch to keep it dry can also help reduce the chance of fungus growth. Another preventive measure is to use non-organic materials like pea gravel or stone instead of mulch.
Additional Considerations
Painting over the fungus on wood surfaces can result in a pebbled appearance due to the persistence of the spores. These spores can remain viable for up to 11 years, so thorough removal and effective preventative measures are crucial for managing artillery fungus.
