Spotting dark, finger-shaped growths in your mulch or soil can be unsettling at first. However, these strange forms are usually a common woodland fungus called Dead Man’s Fingers (Xylaria polymorpha). Despite the dramatic name and unusual appearance, this fungus is generally harmless. In fact, it plays an important role in nature by breaking down decaying wood and returning nutrients to the soil. What may seem alarming is actually a sign that your garden’s ecosystem is functioning as it should.

Dead Man’s Fingers typically grow in clusters and form upright projections about three to four inches tall. When young, they may appear pale gray or whitish. As they mature, they darken to deep brown or black and develop a firm, slightly rough texture. They are most commonly found in shaded, damp areas where buried wood, old tree roots, or mulch are present. Growth often occurs in spring and fall, especially after rainy periods.

Identifying them is usually straightforward. They have a solid structure and a smooth-to-bumpy surface that darkens with age. If cut open, the inside is white when young and becomes darker over time. Unlike typical mushrooms, they do not have caps or strong odors, and their upright, clustered shape helps distinguish them from roots or other fungi.

Although their look may be eerie, they are not harmful to people, pets, or healthy plants. They feed only on decaying wood, not living trees. Removal is optional and usually done for appearance. If desired, clearing away both the visible fungus and the decaying wood beneath it can help prevent regrowth. Rather than a threat, they’re simply part of nature’s recycling system at work.