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Brown spots on salal (Gaultheria shallon) leaves #828745

Asked May 06, 2023, 6:16 PM EDT

We planted several salal (Gaultheria shallon) shrubs next to our driveway about five years ago. Over the past couple of years, we've noticed brown spots appearing on the leaves. The shrubs still produce blossoms, but not much fruit for the birds. I'm concerned that the shrubs have developed a heavy Phyllosticta infection, which seems to involve almost every single leaf. Is there anything we can do, other than ripping out these shrubs and starting over?

Washington County Oregon

Expert Response

Thank you for your question, Rob.  I believe that your diagnosis is accurate, and there are few to no "cures" for this disease.  As the following diagnostic page indicates, removal of all affected leaves is necessary (and none of the chemicals are available to homeowners):  https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/salal-gaultheria-shallon-leaf-spots   You can get a definitive diagnosis if you want to submit leaf samples to the OSU Plant clinic:  https://bpp.oregonstate.edu/plant-clinic/submit-sample/how-submit-plant-materials
I suspect the disease is just too advanced to save the plant.  Good luck!
An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 08, 2023, 11:57 AM EDT

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