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Dog stinkhorn

Mutinus caninus

A species of Mutinus, Also known as Faeces carota

The fruitbody of the dog stinkhorn (Mutinus caninus) has a rather short life. It bursts from an egg-shaped vessel beneath forest litter or woodchip mulch, with a sticky, foul-smelling tip meant to attract carrion insects to carry its spores. Within a few days, the smelly substance, the spores, and then the entire fruitbody will disappear. This fungus is inedible and possibly poisonous to dogs.

Cap Diameter:

1 - 2 cm

Odor:

Mild, unpleasant, less intense than similar species.

General Info About Dog stinkhorn

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Attributes of Dog stinkhorn

Cap Diameter

1 - 2 cm

Height

7 - 15 cm

Cap

1 - 2 cm wide; pointed tip, usually curved; dark

Stem

2 - 4 cm high, expanding to 10 - 12 cm tall; egg; yellowish-white, yellow, or pale orange; covers a gelatinous inner layer

Stem Surfaces

Smooth

Stem Cross Sections

Hollow or cottony hollow

Flesh

Bright pink

Ring

Ringless

Spore Print Color

Dark olive

Odor

Mild, unpleasant, less intense than similar species.

Body Color

Yellow

White

Orange

Flesh Bruises

The flesh or milk does not discolor when bruised or cut.

Growth Form

Gregarious

Nutrient Gathering

Saprophytic

Substrate

On soil, Dead Woods, Wood Chips or Mulch, Leaf or Needle Litter

You can find Dog stinkhorn by these plants:

Spruces, European beech

Occurence Habitats

Coniferous Woodland

Species Status

Quite common

Endangered Species

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Habitat of Dog stinkhorn

The dog stinkhorn can be mostly found in coniferous woods, meadows, and various cultivated urban settings such as lawns, gardens, and flower beds. It occurs on the ground, near well-rotting wood and timber, feeding on decomposing organic matter.

Distribution Area of Dog stinkhorn

North America,Europe,Central America,northern Asia,New Zealand

Scientific Classification of Dog stinkhorn

Phylum

Club fungi

Class

Mushroom-forming fungi

Order

Stinkhorn allies

Family

Stinkhorn mushrooms

Genus

Mutinus

Toxicity and Edibility of Dog stinkhorn

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Is Dog stinkhorn Toxic?

The dog stinkhorn can cause mild to moderate gastric upset when consumed. The most common issues include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea.

Is Dog stinkhorn Toxic to Dogs?

There are several reports of dogs becoming very sick after eating dog stinkhorn so take your dog to the vet immediately if you believe it has eaten this species. Unfortunately, the toxins and exact symptoms of poisoning are unknown. The chance of poisoning is increased by the strong odor of these woodland-dwelling mushrooms, which may attract dogs.

Similar Species to Dog stinkhorn

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Tips for Finding Dog stinkhorn

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What are the Ideal Soil Conditions for Dog stinkhorn

Damp, rich in organic matter, and presence of decaying wood.

What are Some Tips for Finding Dog stinkhorn

Inspect areas with abundant leaf litter in woodland regions, as dog stinkhorn often emerges from such substrates.
Focus on spots near rotting stumps and logs, especially where the wood has significantly broken down.
Check for dog stinkhorn in gardens and parks, particularly where woodchips have been used as mulch and had time to decay.
Observe small groups or patterns that might indicate a fairy ring formation where dog stinkhorn might be growing.