Brown spots on dogwood blossoms - Ask Extension
This is a white dogwood tree - about 20 years old (a "volunteer') in our front flower bed, partial sun, has been healthy until this year. I notic...
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Brown spots on dogwood blossoms #865471
Asked April 22, 2024, 4:17 PM EDT
This is a white dogwood tree - about 20 years old (a "volunteer') in our front flower bed, partial sun, has been healthy until this year. I noticed browning and then got a closer look. Is it treatable? Is it contagious?- worried about spreading to our other dogwoods and esp our beautiful old stately azaleas right around it... thank you
Montgomery County Maryland
Expert Response
These are classic symptoms of a common disease called Elsinoe Leaf Spot; we see it fairly routinely in wet years on dogwood petals (and sometimes foliage as well). We've had the weather for it, at least during periods of damp, cool conditions this spring. Plant infections in general can be highly weather-dependent, being more or less severe any given year based on temperature and rainfall trends.
There is no curative treatment for this disease, but fortunately it tends to be more of a temporary cosmetic issue than anything overtly threatening to long-term tree health. It wouldn't hurt to rake-up and dispose of the fallen bracts (flower petals) once they are spent, to remove some of the spores from the area, though it's not necessary and it won't be a way to completely prevent the chances of reinfection next year.
Miri
There is no curative treatment for this disease, but fortunately it tends to be more of a temporary cosmetic issue than anything overtly threatening to long-term tree health. It wouldn't hurt to rake-up and dispose of the fallen bracts (flower petals) once they are spent, to remove some of the spores from the area, though it's not necessary and it won't be a way to completely prevent the chances of reinfection next year.
Miri
Thank you! I appreciate your helpful response! Take care, wd
You're welcome!