Dogwood anthracnose

Symptoms

Tan leaf spots with purple rims enlarge into blotches, blighted leaves cling to the twigs, and cankers on twigs and branches cause dieback; trunk water sprouts become infected, and in cool, shaded, moist sites the whole tree can be killed over several seasons.

Plants affected

• Flowering dogwood

Common questions

How do I recognise Dogwood anthracnose on Flowering dogwood?

Tan leaf spots with purple rims enlarge into blotches, blighted leaves cling to the twigs, and cankers on twigs and branches cause dieback; trunk water sprouts become infected, and in cool, shaded, moist sites the whole tree can be killed over several seasons.

Do I have to report Dogwood anthracnose?

No. Dogwood anthracnose is not a notifiable organism, so there is nothing to report to an authority. Treat it as a normal garden problem.

How is Dogwood anthracnose treated?

Mainly with biological and cultural measures — removing affected material, changing the conditions that favour it, and treating with agents approved in your country. The exact steps and their timing depend on the plant, the season and where you live: Dr. Phyto works them out in a free diagnosis.