Ulocladium
Ulocladium spp.
Also known as: Ulocladium chartarum, Ulocladium botrytis
Fast-growing, deeply pigmented colonies that quickly turn black-brown across the surface
Ulocladium at a Glance
Ulocladium (Ulocladium spp.) is a moderate-risk, allergenic mold with high allergenic potential. It most often grows in water-damaged drywall, saturated wallpaper, wet textiles, and its primary health concerns are allergic reactions, hay fever-type symptoms, asthma aggravation. Confirmation requires laboratory analysis of collected samples — visual identification alone is not conclusive.
- Risk level
- Moderate
- Category
- Allergenic
- Common growth locations
- Water-damaged drywall, Saturated wallpaper, Wet textiles, Painted surfaces
- Primary health concerns
- Allergic reactions, Hay fever-type symptoms, Asthma aggravation
InspectaMold provides independent inspection and laboratory testing for Ulocladium across Southeast Louisiana — assessment and documentation only. We do not perform remediation, so findings stay unbiased.
Gulf Coast Relevance: High
Frequently found in Louisiana and Mississippi Gulf Coast homes.
Appearance & Identification
Woolly to suede-like, becoming flattened with age
Dense dark colonies with rapidly darkening centers
Hydrophilic (water-loving); needs sustained saturation and is a flag for chronic leaks
Growth Conditions
90-100%
0.89+ aw
65-95°F (18-35°C)
Common Growth Locations
Health Considerations
Sneezing, Nasal congestion, Throat irritation
high
Can contribute to skin and subcutaneous infections in rare immunocompromised cases
Not a major mycotoxin producer, but its presence signals conditions favorable for toxigenic molds
How Our Inspectors Detect It
Elevated (>20% in affected materials); usually saturated substrates
- •Gypsum board
- •Wallpaper
- •Paper backing
- •Fabrics
- •Painted wood
- •Cool, evaporatively wet zones on thermal imaging
- •Defined moisture boundaries
Remediation Considerations
Remove and discard saturated porous materials; they cannot be reliably cleaned
HEPA vacuum and damp-wipe with detergent after the moisture source is corrected
Critical — heavy moisture must be eliminated before remediation can succeed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ulocladium (Ulocladium spp.) dangerous?
Ulocladium is classified as a moderate-risk, allergenic mold with high allergenic potential. Primary health concerns include allergic reactions, hay fever-type symptoms, asthma aggravation. Can contribute to skin and subcutaneous infections in rare immunocompromised cases A professional assessment determines the extent and the right response for your property.
Where does Ulocladium grow in Gulf Coast homes?
Ulocladium commonly appears in water-damaged drywall, saturated wallpaper, wet textiles, painted surfaces. It thrives at 90-100% relative humidity with a water activity of 0.89+ aw, conditions that are common across humid Southeast Louisiana properties.
How do you identify Ulocladium?
Fast-growing, deeply pigmented colonies that quickly turn black-brown across the surface Colonies are typically black, olive, dark gray with a woolly to suede-like, becoming flattened with age texture. Earthy, musty odor associated with heavy microbial growth Confirmation requires professional sampling and laboratory analysis rather than visual identification alone.
What does remediation of Ulocladium involve?
Ulocladium typically calls for enhanced containment. Remove and discard saturated porous materials; they cannot be reliably cleaned Critical — heavy moisture must be eliminated before remediation can succeed InspectaMold documents the conditions and provides an independent protocol so the underlying moisture source is corrected, not just the visible growth.
Concerned about Ulocladium 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.