Stinkhorn Phallus impudicus

The first recognisable feature of the widespread stinkhorn is its unpleasant, putrid smell. This distinctive mushroom can then be identified by its characteristically phallic shape of a white stem and a bulbous, slimy, avocado-skin green cap.

Conservation status in Norfolk

A common and widespread species.

Click to see the Biodiversity Action Plan Species for this species

How to help

Please do not pick the fruiting bodies. These need to be allowed to produce and release their spores for reproduction.

Adopt me today and help ensure my future!

Bob Ward

Information on the Stinkhorn

How to recognise

The first clue that draws attention to a stinkhorn is its unpleasant, foetid smell. Its phallic shape with a white erect stem topped by a conical dark green or blackish often slimy cap is very distinctive.

Where to see

Stinkhorns are found in both broadleaved and conifer woodlands. They often seem to like sites with bracken. Good places to look for stinkhorns include National Trust Sheringham, Felbrig and Blickling parks. Stinkhorns are also recorded at NWT reserves including Foxley Wood NNR and other woodland nature reserves.

When to see

They can be seen July through November.

Did you know?

Stinkhorns are said to once have been an ingredient of aphrodisiacs and love potions.

Stinkhorns are related to puffballs and emerge from a whitish ‘egg’ in a few hours. The ‘eggs’ are about 3cms across and rubbery in texture; they have been mistaken for reptile eggs.

The foul-smelling slime at the tip of the stinkhorn attracts flies. This fungus is one of the very few where spores are dispersed by insects rather than by wind.

Finding out more

fungus.org.uk

In this section