poison ivy - Ask Extension
As I was spraying I noticed that many of the leaves in several areas were covered with pink bumpy growths. It appeared to be killing the leaves. did...
Knowledgebase
poison ivy #255412
Asked June 19, 2015, 10:25 AM EDT
As I was spraying I noticed that many of the leaves in several areas were covered with pink bumpy growths. It appeared to be killing the leaves. did not appear that it was the work of insects and I had not preveously sprayed. I have never seen the leaves attacked by anything before. I am sure it was poison ivy. thank you for information you can give.It is about time it had an enemy! Jane Steeley
Bucks County Pennsylvania
Expert Response
Hi Jane,
The pink bumps are called "galls" which the plant makes in response to insects and, in this case, mites. I am sorry to say that the mites and galls are not likely to harm poison ivy, they just make it look funny. You may see galls on other shrub and tree leaves. In general, we do not recommend spraying for the insects that make leaf galls.
The pink bumps are called "galls" which the plant makes in response to insects and, in this case, mites. I am sorry to say that the mites and galls are not likely to harm poison ivy, they just make it look funny. You may see galls on other shrub and tree leaves. In general, we do not recommend spraying for the insects that make leaf galls.
