This slime mold is not a fungus although in later stages of growth it may have the appearance of a puffball. I’m going out on a limb here and identifying this one as Wolf’s Milk Slime, aka Toothpaste Slime. Either name makes for a queezy stomach if you actually think about putting it in your mouth.

The first photo should have been enough to keep you from wondering if this is edible. I don’t know where either common name comes from. I haven’t ever seen Wolf’s Milk but I doubt it looks anything like this. And as far as toothpaste goes, if anything ever came out of a tube and looked like this I’d have all my teeth pulled before brushing them.

Kiss my pretty pink butt if you think I’m kidding.

Things are looking better now. Once the slime starts it’s spore growth phase it begins to resemble a puffball.

OK, this I’d be willing to touch.

It seems this is out a bit early, most references state it’s season is in June. The only early reference I saw connected it to finding it while Morel hunting – exactly when I found it.

So to get those icky images out of your head I made up a nice Marsh Marigold wallpaper to look at before you leave. Go ahead and put it on your desktop if you like.

click image to open a larger size in a new window

Their season is coming to an end here in the north country. The flower petals are starting to turn white with age and a few have already dropped. I’ll miss them since they’re one of my favorite spring flowers.