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Weird white stuff on base of plant stem #877566

Asked July 17, 2024, 12:07 AM EDT

I was pulling up creeping bellflower weeds . I found several that had about a 2 inch high and 1 inch wide glob of some firm sticky substance a at the base of the stem . I have a lot of oak leaves mulching the gardens so there is lots of moisture . Curious as to whether this is disease or not.

Ramsey County Minnesota

Expert Response

Good Morning James, 

Thank you for contacting the U of M Extension Service. 

This appears to be some type of fungi in the Meruliaceae family.  Something I have not seen before on bellflower! Interesting find. 

The fungi may be the result of all the wet weather we've had lately. I do not believe it is a disease that will infect your gardens. 

Here is a link about common fungi in MN: https://extension.umn.edu/lawn-care/common-fungi

Good Luck!

Maureen Graber Replied July 18, 2024, 8:34 AM EDT

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