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something growing on button bush leaves #466379

Asked June 29, 2018, 11:09 AM EDT

Hi, I planted a button bush last year and noticed some of the leaves had a weird growth on them. I figured (hoped) it would clear up on its own and would be better this year. Now it's even worse. Can you tell me what is on the leaves and what I should do to help this poor button bush?

Wayne County Michigan

Expert Response

Hello. The bumps on your leaves are called galls and they are caused by an insect mite. This one is specific to buttonbushes. There is nothing you need to do but you can prune off the highly affected parts of the plant. That would be for aesthetic reasons. Populations of insects fluctuate and you may see more in one year and less in the next. The health of your plant should not be affected by the presence of these galls.
An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 30, 2018, 9:27 AM EDT

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