Black fuzzy caterpillar like substance - Ask Extension
About 2 years ago I placed dead birch branches into an outdoor garden pot. Recently I noticed on one of the larger branches, about 4 inches wide, a b...
Knowledgebase
Black fuzzy caterpillar like substance #874197
Asked June 22, 2024, 2:55 PM EDT
About 2 years ago I placed dead birch branches into an outdoor garden pot. Recently I noticed on one of the larger branches, about 4 inches wide, a black fuzzy caterpillar looking substance on the branch which is maybe 1/4-1/2 wide that runs in a straight or curvy line that can be from a couple inches long to 6 inches long. It is not blob & does not cover a wide surface.
Definitely caterpillar looking but much longer. I have not noticed, as of yet, any other branches in the pot with this substances.
My daughter says - YIKES - get rid of it. I’m curious. So far I haven’t seen any photos online that resemble the “thing”, which is growing on more than one spot. My Google entry included black fuzzy caterpillar lichen or fungus substance on a dead birch branch, (although not stating that the branch is not attached to the original tree, which probably is from 1 of 2 locations in Wisconsin).
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Thank you for writing. I need a picture of this blob.