Stumbled across these black, finger-like things poking out of the mulch in my backyard. They are hard and creepy. Does anyone know what this is?

Discovering something unusual in your backyard can be both intriguing and unsettling, especially when it involves peculiar growths emerging from the ground. Many homeowners have experienced the shock of finding black, finger-like protrusions poking out from their garden mulch. These strange structures often raise immediate questions and concerns about what they might be and whether they pose any danger.
These curious formations could very well be a type of fungus known as ‘Dead Man’s Fingers.’ While the name itself evokes a sense of horror, understanding what these growths truly are can dispel fear and replace it with fascination. This article explores the characteristics, identification, and implications of finding this eerie fungus in your backyard.