Tulip tree has a fungus - Ask Extension
Hello, I live in Union City, Michigan. Last fall our tulip tree's leaves turned black in late summer. This spring the tree looks very sickly, please...
Knowledgebase
Tulip tree has a fungus #784549
Asked March 20, 2022, 12:23 PM EDT
Hello, I live in Union City, Michigan. Last fall our tulip tree's leaves turned black in late summer. This spring the tree looks very sickly, please see the photos. Is there anything we can do to save this tree? I am guessing not but if there is we would like to try.
Thank you
Calhoun County Michigan
Expert Response
Good Morning,
Premature yellowing and leaf drop observed on tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera), also known as yellow poplar and tulip poplar. These are symptoms most likely related to root stress. Extended periods of hot, dry, weather in combination with various site stress factors, are likely contributing factors. An added symptom that frequently accompanies the leaf yellowing is the appearance of circular, black spots between the veins of the yellowing leaves. The black spots are often mistaken for a fungal leaf spot disease. Though alarming in appearance these symptoms do not usually affect long-term tree vigor or health.
Your tree appears to have lichens. One of the most important things to know about lichens is that they are harmless to their hosts they occur on. Lichens are self-sufficient for their energy needs – recall the algae are photosynthetic – so they are not parasitic on their host. In fact, many lichens are as likely to occur on non-living substrates, like wooden benches, concrete sidewalks, tombstones, as they are on trees.
References
What are lichens and what are they doing on my tree? - MSU Extension
6-29 (purdue.edu)
I hope this helps. Thanks for using our service.
Premature yellowing and leaf drop observed on tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera), also known as yellow poplar and tulip poplar. These are symptoms most likely related to root stress. Extended periods of hot, dry, weather in combination with various site stress factors, are likely contributing factors. An added symptom that frequently accompanies the leaf yellowing is the appearance of circular, black spots between the veins of the yellowing leaves. The black spots are often mistaken for a fungal leaf spot disease. Though alarming in appearance these symptoms do not usually affect long-term tree vigor or health.
Your tree appears to have lichens. One of the most important things to know about lichens is that they are harmless to their hosts they occur on. Lichens are self-sufficient for their energy needs – recall the algae are photosynthetic – so they are not parasitic on their host. In fact, many lichens are as likely to occur on non-living substrates, like wooden benches, concrete sidewalks, tombstones, as they are on trees.
References
What are lichens and what are they doing on my tree? - MSU Extension
6-29 (purdue.edu)
I hope this helps. Thanks for using our service.
