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Weed or plant I.D/ health risk #779048

Asked December 13, 2021, 2:30 PM EST

The plant or weed in question is growing at the bottom of a sloped area which receives sunlight through majority of the day.  The plant has roughly 2ft of height. And 1ft wide.  The outside part of stalk is currently light brown with black veins running north/south. Inside very yellowish color.  Alot of branching off with various colors but mostly brownish red. Branches have large amounts of thorns. A smaller sized leaf is also present.  Branches that died and fell off seem to have a hair growth on them. In front of plant there is a white mold or fungus(maybe) growth running east to west along landscapped border.  Pictures are attached. But limited to how many.  If more are needed i can post more 

Wayne County Michigan

Expert Response

Without any leaves, it is hard to tell.  Shrubs with thorns can be barberry, hawthorn, and others.  I don't know if we can make an ID from those photos.  Do you have a clearer photo of the thorns?  Any leaves in the area?

An Ask Extension Expert Replied December 13, 2021, 3:02 PM EST


On Mon, Dec 13, 2021, 3:02 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied December 13, 2021, 5:44 PM EST

This looks like a type of barberry.  The leaf shape and what looks like 3 pronged spines in the one photo are the characteristics I used to make this identification.  

An Ask Extension Expert Replied December 15, 2021, 3:43 PM EST
Hi.  And thank you again for your time and response.  I'm curious about the yellowing in the stalk and down into the root.  I only had the property for 2 years. Before me it sat vacant for 3 years.  Leaving alot of negative and over growth. The yellowing is a concern for me. Ive seen it on other things through out. And looking to see if it can br a fungus or something on those lines.  Are you possibly able to help with this?  If not.  Maybe a lead in the direction of someone who could.   I can post a few pics to help with what im seeing.  

On Wed, Dec 15, 2021, 3:43 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied December 15, 2021, 7:07 PM EST

I work with a colleague who specializes in plant pathogens so if you want to send a couple more pics of what you are seeing I can have her take a look. 

An Ask Extension Expert Replied December 16, 2021, 10:42 AM EST
Thank you. I will send to you in the next day or two. Whenever you can get back. I know holidays are here. And schedules are all kinda crazy 

On Thu, Dec 16, 2021, 10:42 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied December 16, 2021, 5:51 PM EST

Were you going to send additional photos of the fungus you were concerned about?  If not I can close this case.  Thank you.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied January 06, 2022, 8:40 AM EST
Hello. And sorry for the late reply. I've attached a link to some photos that have been taken in my house and my property.. They are kinda random and if more info is needed on certain pictures. I will give details of what I know or attach more pics for a better idea.  


On Thu, Jan 6, 2022, 8:40 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied January 16, 2022, 12:26 PM EST

Sorry, I can't help with those photos.  None of the photos are of the barberry.  We can only help if you are concerned with a pathogen that might be impacting your plant.  If you notice the plant is not doing well this spring you can send some additional photos of the plant.  I can't help with the other photos.  Sorry.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied January 17, 2022, 9:50 AM EST
Thank you for for looking at them. I've been trying to get answers for awhile now. If you know anybody that might be helpful. Please let me know.  I appreciate your time and help.  

On Mon, Jan 17, 2022, 9:50 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied January 21, 2022, 4:25 AM EST

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