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Black matter on flowering maple #850548

Asked September 19, 2023, 5:10 PM EDT

My flowering maple has black stuff on many of its leaves. Not sure what it is or how to eliminate it. Have never had this on the plant before.

Curry County Oregon

Expert Response

Hi Lynda, 

Thank you for emailing your photo.   Have you noticed any aphids on your flowering maple or any sticky substance on the leaves?   I'm wondering if this might be a sooty mold which occurs secondary to aphids feeding on plants and secreting honeydew.  Honeydew is a sticky substance which fosters the growth of sooty mold.    

We could certainly take a further look at the leaf should you want to bring in a sample to our plant clinic!

Lisa Cowan

Outreach Program Coordinator – Community Horticulture Program

Oregon State University

OSU Extension Service – Deschutes, Crook, Jefferson Counties

3800 SW Airport Way, Bldg #4

Redmond, OR 97756

Tel.:<personal data hidden> (direct line) I<personal data hidden> (x79590 - main line)

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An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 25, 2023, 7:06 PM EDT

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