Question
Dear Larry,
I live in Marin County, California and
I recently noticed a plant growing in a mound of
bare soil underneath my home.  This plant looked like grayish fur, protruding 3-3 1/2 inches above the soil.  Frankly, it was too creepy to leave there, so my husband removed and disposed of it.  Do you have any idea as to what this might have been?  Thank you for taking the time to answer my question.
My best,
Sheila McEnany  

Answer
Sheila,

I would imagine that you have come across one of the million or so varieties of mushroom (toadstool, fungus) that there are in the world. You've done as much as you can, short of sterilizing the soil under your house. Don't be surprised if it reappears. If so dig it up again, if it is too ugly, or just admire it as a unique life form. Sooner or later it's food supply will dwindle and it will be gone forever.

However, if they begin to multiply rapidly and threaten to take over the neighborhood please write back so that I can warn others against visiting Marin County.

With a wink and a nod,
Larry