Nettle Rash - Leptosphaeria acuta

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Description

The fruit bodies are black, smooth, shiny cones. Initially embedded in their host, they break through to the surface, often in large numbers. They have prominent, central ostioles, for spore release. They measure up to 0.5 mm diameter.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

Found growing clustered at the bases of dead stems of Common Nettle.

When to see it

Maturing in late winter and spring, though fruit bodies may be seen throughout the year.

  • Peter Smith
    Cropston, Slate Bridge
    12 April 2022
  • Peter Smith
    Wymeswold, Kingston Brook (Leics. side)
    05 February 2024
  • Peter Smith
    Cropston, Slate Bridge
    12 April 2022
  • Peter Smith
    Thrussington, Old Gate Road
    01 February 2025
  • Peter Smith
    Seagrave, footpath to Wymeswold
    22 February 2023
  • Peter Smith
    Cropston, Slate Bridge
    12 April 2022
  • martindgrimes
    Pickworth Drift
    10 March 2022
  • Hazel Graves
    Blackbrook & Dishley Pool, Loughborough
    17 February 2024
  • Peter Smith
    Thrussington, Old Gate Road
    01 February 2025

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Species data profile ?

Species profile

Common names
Nettle Rash
Species group:
Fungi
Kingdom:
Fungi
Order:
Pleosporales
Family:
Leptosphaeriaceae
Records on NatureSpot:
32
First record:
07/07/2013 (Thompson, Peter)
Last record:
01/02/2025 (Smith, Peter)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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Latest images

Latest records

  • Peter Smith
    Seagrave, footpath to Wymeswold
    22 February 2023
  • martindgrimes
    Pickworth Drift
    10 March 2022
  • martindgrimes
    Barnsdale Wood
    07 April 2016
  • Peter Smith
    Netherseal, off footpath to Lullington
    08 April 2023