Dogwood Anthracnose

What it looks like

Look for leaf spots or blotches with purple edges and tan-to-brown centers. Twigs die back and the canopy thins out, often starting in the lower or shaded branches first.

Often mistaken for: Other leaf spot diseases or general dogwood decline from stress

When it shows up in the Triangle

Shows up during cool, wet spring weather, from bud break through leaf-out.

Where you’ll see it

Affects flowering dogwood trees, especially those growing in shade or under stress.

What you can do

• Prune out and remove infected twigs and branches
• Improve airflow around the tree by thinning nearby growth
• Avoid overhead watering that keeps leaves wet
• Prevent mechanical wounds from mowers or trimmers
• Plant or move dogwoods to a spot with more light and good drainage
• Keep trees healthy overall—stressed, shaded dogwoods are hit hardest