Fungus on flowering cherry tree - Ask Extension
Hi! We discovered this fungus growing on our flowering cherry tree. The tree is alive, though we did remove the branch with the fungus. We are interes...
Knowledgebase
Fungus on flowering cherry tree #798438
Asked June 29, 2022, 8:43 AM EDT
Hi! We discovered this fungus growing on our flowering cherry tree. The tree is alive, though we did remove the branch with the fungus. We are interested in learning more about the type of fungus and what to do about it.
Washtenaw County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello Meagan,
I looked at your image. The growths I see on the branch look a lot like lichens. These are interesting organisms composed of a fungus and algae living in a symbiotic relationship.
I recommend that you get a confirmed diagnosis from the MSU Plant and Pest Diagnostics Lab on the MSU campus Please e-mail your image to the MSU Plant and Pest Diagnostics Lab on the MSU campus. Prior to bringing or sending physical samples. The image can be sent to <personal data hidden>.
MAKE SURE IN THAT E-MAIL YOU INCLUDE YOUR NAME, ADDRESS, AND PHONE NUMBER!!
They may be able to ID your problem without seeing a sample. THE LAB WILL LET YOU KNOW IF A SAMPLE NEEDS TO BE SENT - There is a $20-25 dollar fee (if they need a sample sent).
The only problem you have is that you removed the branch - I hope you still have that branch - the lab may need it as a sample
PLEASE READ BELOW ON PREPARING YOUR SAMPLE
From the lab: Please do not ship samples on Fridays. Due to the current COVID-19 circumstances, please allow additional processing time. They thank you for your patience and understanding.
Every sample must be accompanied by a completed submission form. Please place the form in a separate resealable bag to prevent it from getting damp or soiled. The form is at this link:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/uploads/files/MSU-DS-Form-012-001-version6.0.pdf
Complete details of submitting a sample are at this link: https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/submit-samples/
Hope this helps!!
I looked at your image. The growths I see on the branch look a lot like lichens. These are interesting organisms composed of a fungus and algae living in a symbiotic relationship.
I recommend that you get a confirmed diagnosis from the MSU Plant and Pest Diagnostics Lab on the MSU campus Please e-mail your image to the MSU Plant and Pest Diagnostics Lab on the MSU campus. Prior to bringing or sending physical samples. The image can be sent to <personal data hidden>.
MAKE SURE IN THAT E-MAIL YOU INCLUDE YOUR NAME, ADDRESS, AND PHONE NUMBER!!
They may be able to ID your problem without seeing a sample. THE LAB WILL LET YOU KNOW IF A SAMPLE NEEDS TO BE SENT - There is a $20-25 dollar fee (if they need a sample sent).
The only problem you have is that you removed the branch - I hope you still have that branch - the lab may need it as a sample
PLEASE READ BELOW ON PREPARING YOUR SAMPLE
From the lab: Please do not ship samples on Fridays. Due to the current COVID-19 circumstances, please allow additional processing time. They thank you for your patience and understanding.
Every sample must be accompanied by a completed submission form. Please place the form in a separate resealable bag to prevent it from getting damp or soiled. The form is at this link:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/uploads/files/MSU-DS-Form-012-001-version6.0.pdf
Complete details of submitting a sample are at this link: https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/submit-samples/
Hope this helps!!
