can anyone help identify this weed/fungus?

latecomer

We've got this odd looking weed/fungus growing in our lawn. I think its spreading but I'm not 100% sure as I dont have a lot of time to do anything our there as I'm so busy with the house renovations.

Can anyone tell me what it is and more importantly how to get rid of it (hopefully cheaply!).





Thanks! :beer:

Pippilongstocking

Its a lichen - I think its - Peltigera canina or dog lichen - see this RHS help sheet:

http://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profiles1005/lichen.asp

there are chemicals you can use, but looks like you really need to improve your drainage, try those funky shoes with the spikes to aerate the lawn - get exercise too, then chuck down some sand - good luck!! I think when you mow them, they spread by the end of them being able to grow into new bits!

What a plant/fungus!!

Take care
Fay

latecomer

Thanks for the reply. I guess them speading due to mowing would make sense as I'm sure its been getting worse. The grass has been

I'll get my fork out and spend some quality time stabbing the lawn. I'll also look into a moss killer as recommended as we've got plenty of that too.

I wonder whether it would be worth physically removing as much as possible. Guess it cant hurt?

Thanks again.

Pippilongstocking

Yeah well I guess if you removed them, then the bits being discharged by mowing won't break up and re-establish else where.

I love lichens, but then again I am a plant geek -
lichens = algae and fungi living in perfect harmony - bliss!
(but I guess not on your lawn!)

latecomer

I'll have a shot at removing them and see about improving the soil condition. Thanks again.

ailuro2

Sorry to dredge up such an old thread - but after having a good old Gogle and coming up with nothing I found this thread - we have this in our lawn (patch of green stuff that's mostly moss and weeds might be more accurate:o) for the first time this year, I have added moss and weed killer which seems to be turning the lichen some lovely colours, but not killing it.

OP - did your lichen go after you forked it over, or did you have to resort to something else??

I'm asking because I've a week off next week and would like to tackle it while I've time.