Boxwood Leafminer

What it looks like

Leaves develop puffy, blistered spots on the underside along with discolored, distorted patches. If you peel open one of those blisters, you'll find a small yellowish maggot inside.

Often mistaken for: Other leaf blister or leaf spot issues on boxwood

When it shows up in the Triangle

Adults show up just after boxwoods put out their spring growth, generally around April here in the Triangle.

Where you’ll see it

Affects boxwood, with American boxwood more prone to damage than English boxwood.

What you can do

• Prune out and destroy leaves with heavy mining/blistering
• Keep plants healthy and vigorous with good watering and care
• Inspect any new boxwoods before planting them near existing ones
• Watch new growth each spring for the first signs of blistering