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Ticket # 0183625 - Concerns over mushroom growing in my yard #913846

Asked August 13, 2025, 9:50 AM EDT

Is this mushroom poisonous or do I need to use special care and removing it? I am not interested in eating it only of it’s safe removal and disposal. Could you tell me more about it?

Grafton County New Hampshire

Expert Response

Hi William, 

Thanks for sending in that great photo of the mushroom in your yard. My best guess is that this is a black staining polypore (Meripilus sumstinei). Keep in mind that without observing it in person, I cannot be 100% certain. Here is a resource on the black staining polypore. Keep in mind it's from Missouri but the information is still good- 

https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/black-staining-polypore

Generally, mushrooms are harmless to handle, even the most toxic ones we have in the region can be touched without ill effect. Feel free to remove this mushroom if you like and compost it or toss it into the woods. 

Thank you for contacting the Infoline, a service of UNH Cooperative Extension Replied August 13, 2025, 10:36 AM EDT

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