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Milkweed discoloration and deformity safe for caterpillars? #655097

Asked June 23, 2020, 3:11 PM EDT

I have been having problems with deformed and stunted plants under my powerlines where Asplundh sprayed some sort of what they are calling 'growth inhibitor' on everything. It didn't seem to affect anything last year when they first sprayed, but this year when new leaves came up some plants leaves are twisted and discolored, especially the milkweed and the ferns. I'm not sure I should keep the weird looking milkweeds. Are they safe for the caterpillars?  The extention people said it looked like herbicide damage; roundup or something, but I don't use ANY chemicals in my yard. I emailed Asplundh to see if they can tell me the name of what they sprayed but I'm not hopeful they will respond. Anyone else have this problem? You can see in the photos the twisted fern leaves, the butterflyweed with half normal leaves and half stunted, discolored leaves in front, and the photo of stunted discolored common milkweed right next to a normal milkweed. Its just strange. It's only in the area of my yard under the powerlines. So does anyone have any answers about this issue and should I pull out the damaged plants?  One of my viburnums is also affected. Three planted in a row and only the one in the middle has leaves so deformed it is killing it. 

Berrien County Michigan

Expert Response

I do not know if the affected plants are safe, or as nutritious, for caterpillars to eat, and I'm not sure there would be much research data on this subject.  

The plants will probably recover in time, I suggest keeping them rather than having to start over with new plants.
Erwin 'Duke' Elsner, Ph.D. Replied June 24, 2020, 8:18 AM EDT

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