Small orange bumps on leaves of Black Gum tree - Ask Extension
Hi,
We recently discovered lots of small bumps on the leaves of a black gum tree in our backyard. It’s a shady spot with eastern light and acidic s...
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Small orange bumps on leaves of Black Gum tree #750205
Asked May 16, 2021, 10:50 AM EDT
Hi,
We recently discovered lots of small bumps on the leaves of a black gum tree in our backyard. It’s a shady spot with eastern light and acidic soil. What is the cause of these bumps? Will they harm the tree? Will it transfer to other trees? Should I do anything to manage them?
Thanks so much for any guidance you can offer,
Shirley
Montgomery County Maryland
Expert Response
Hi, Shirley,
This looks like Black Gum leaf gall. It is caused by an insect laying its eggs on the leaf. You can see a photo of this by clicking here. In general, this will not harm a tree unless it is young or the damage is heavy. Then the treatment would be with horticultural oil, described here.
This would not spread from one tree to another, although the same insect might choose another tree.
Thanks for your question.
Barbara
This looks like Black Gum leaf gall. It is caused by an insect laying its eggs on the leaf. You can see a photo of this by clicking here. In general, this will not harm a tree unless it is young or the damage is heavy. Then the treatment would be with horticultural oil, described here.
This would not spread from one tree to another, although the same insect might choose another tree.
Thanks for your question.
Barbara
Thank you so much for your helpful response!
Glad this helped.
