What Is Wrong With My Dogwood Tree?

Identification

• Dogwood trees are susceptible to botrytis blight caused by Botrytis cinerea. The fungal growth increases during periods of high humidity. The disease is also referred to as gray mold. The fungal spores spread rapidly in drizzling rain.

Damage

• Disease starts with the appearance of brown spots on foliage and flowers accompanied by silvery gray spores. The discoloration appears on all plant areas except the roots. With disease progression, affected areas start to wilt, decay, rot and drop. There is twig dieback and flower buds do not open.

Management

• Keep plant area clear of weeds, debris and fallen foliage as fungal spores thrive there and spread. Prune and remove all infected plant areas and avoid the use of overhead sprinklers. Fungicidal control options include the use of Bacillus subtilis or chlorothalonil.