Here's it growing on a living plant:

Likely to be one of the slime molds. The so-called "dog vomit fungus" is the one most commonly posted on the forum but many other sorts exist.

Slime molds don't damage plants.

I agree that it's one of the slime molds. You can also see it on the mulch. It would creep along rocks and any other inanimate object.

Thanks - that's good news. We have had other varieties of slime mold elsewhere on the property in the past, but not any that resembled this. Some of the infested plant leaves did appear to be damaged, but after a closer look, it had probably occurred before the mold arrived. It has not increased much after exploding on the scene yesterday, so hopefully will resolve itself as things continue to heat up and dry out.

damaging a leaf or two.. is not equivalent to damaging the whole ... a good hail storm will do more damage than that.. eh???

in my garden.. such is studied.. wondered at.. and ignored .. the conditions for such.. will disappear soon enough ....

ken

damaging a leaf or two.. is not equivalent to damaging the whole ... a good hail storm will do more damage than that.. eh???

Absolutely.... unfortunately I know just enough to be aware that some "grey" molds (such as botrytis) can be fatal, but not enough to tell which are benign. Insight from those of you with more experience is welcomed peace of mind.