Dark dots on hostas - Ask Extension
Hello,
My dad has a beautiful woodland garden and many of his hostas have small dark dots on top of the leaves. They are raised, not in the leaf so...
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Dark dots on hostas #885454
Asked September 16, 2024, 2:57 PM EDT
Hello,
My dad has a beautiful woodland garden and many of his hostas have small dark dots on top of the leaves. They are raised, not in the leaf so to speak. They feel like running fingers over braille. I’m wondering if you know what they might be, and if they are harmful? The garden is thriving this year with the cooler temps and ample rainfall earlier this season. I should mention most of the hostas with these dots are under silver maple trees.
Anoka County Minnesota
Expert Response
Although not often seen, I believe the raised dots are actually leaf galls. They do not affect the health of the plant and may not appear again next year. They are caused by insects and by the time you see them, it is too late to do anything. https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/insect-and-mite-galls