Stemphylium
Stemphylium spp.
Dematiaceous olive-brown to black velvety colonies
Stemphylium at a Glance
Stemphylium (Stemphylium spp.) is a moderate-risk, allergenic mold with moderate allergenic potential. It most often grows in window sills, damp drywall, hvac, and its primary health concerns are allergen, asthma triggers, hay fever. Confirmation requires laboratory analysis of collected samples — visual identification alone is not conclusive.
- Risk level
- Moderate
- Category
- Allergenic
- Common growth locations
- Window sills, Damp drywall, HVAC, Plant debris near intakes
- Primary health concerns
- Allergen, Asthma triggers, Hay fever
InspectaMold provides independent inspection and laboratory testing for Stemphylium across Southeast Louisiana — assessment and documentation only. We do not perform remediation, so findings stay unbiased.
Gulf Coast Relevance: Moderate
Regularly encountered in Gulf Coast properties.
Appearance & Identification
Velvety, dark and compact
Dark olive-brown colonies resembling Alternaria
Plant-pathogen origin; settles on damp indoor surfaces
Growth Conditions
85-95%
0.85-0.90 aw
65-90°F (18-32°C)
Common Growth Locations
Health Considerations
Allergic rhinitis, Asthma aggravation
moderate
Low; rare opportunistic infection
How Our Inspectors Detect It
Moderate in affected materials
- •Drywall
- •Wood
- •HVAC components
- •Damp evaporative zones
Remediation Considerations
Remove colonized porous materials
HEPA vacuum and disinfect non-porous surfaces
Moderate — control condensation and humidity
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stemphylium (Stemphylium spp.) dangerous?
Stemphylium is classified as a moderate-risk, allergenic mold with moderate allergenic potential. Primary health concerns include allergen, asthma triggers, hay fever. Low; rare opportunistic infection A professional assessment determines the extent and the right response for your property.
Where does Stemphylium grow in Gulf Coast homes?
Stemphylium commonly appears in window sills, damp drywall, hvac, plant debris near intakes. It thrives at 85-95% relative humidity with a water activity of 0.85-0.90 aw, conditions that are common across humid Southeast Louisiana properties.
How do you identify Stemphylium?
Dematiaceous olive-brown to black velvety colonies Colonies are typically brown, olive-brown, black with a velvety, dark and compact texture. Mild earthy odor Confirmation requires professional sampling and laboratory analysis rather than visual identification alone.
What does remediation of Stemphylium involve?
Stemphylium typically calls for standard containment. Remove colonized porous materials Moderate — control condensation and humidity InspectaMold documents the conditions and provides an independent protocol so the underlying moisture source is corrected, not just the visible growth.
Concerned about Stemphylium in your property?
InspectaMold provides independent, lab-backed mold inspection and air quality testing across Southeast Louisiana. Get an accurate identification and a clear plan.