Problem with Dogwood? - Ask Extension
I have a old, but beautiful dogwood in my front yard that is just starting to bloom pink blossoms. However, I have noticed gray/green splotches on ma...
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Problem with Dogwood? #240162
Asked April 28, 2015, 12:22 PM EDT
I have a old, but beautiful dogwood in my front yard that is just starting to bloom pink blossoms. However, I have noticed gray/green splotches on many of the limbs. It seems like a fungus to me, but I don't really know what it is. I have included two pictures that might help. Thank you. Jim Lisi
New Castle County Delaware
Expert Response
Hello,
We did receive your question twice. The system can be confusing, so that's okay! I copied here the other response I gave to your question.
The picture you submitted shows lichens on the branch. Lichens are a symbiotic (mutually beneficial) relationship between algae and fungi. The algae benefit from protection from drying and other weathering. The fungi also benefit from protection and also receive some nutritional benefit from the algal partner, form, and structure. Lichens form on trees, rocks, statues and cemetery stones, and directly on soil. They are not harmful to plants or people or pets. In fact, the presence of lichens is an indicator of good air quality. No control necessary.
Thank you for contacting Delaware Cooperative Extension,
Nancy
We did receive your question twice. The system can be confusing, so that's okay! I copied here the other response I gave to your question.
The picture you submitted shows lichens on the branch. Lichens are a symbiotic (mutually beneficial) relationship between algae and fungi. The algae benefit from protection from drying and other weathering. The fungi also benefit from protection and also receive some nutritional benefit from the algal partner, form, and structure. Lichens form on trees, rocks, statues and cemetery stones, and directly on soil. They are not harmful to plants or people or pets. In fact, the presence of lichens is an indicator of good air quality. No control necessary.
Thank you for contacting Delaware Cooperative Extension,
Nancy
