What’s Wrong with My Dogwood?

In the past few weeks, we have received numerous calls and reports regarding Dogwoods in distress. Common symptoms include wilting or curling leaves, blotchy foliage, premature leaf drop, and an overall decline in appearance. Current symptoms are likely the result of multiple stressors acting simultaneously, including foliar fungal pathogens, elevated temperatures, and prolonged drought conditions.

We believe there are a few factors at play here…

First, our native flowering Dogwood is a relatively slow-growing and delicate species that naturally thrives in the shaded understory of the forest canopy, where it receives ample shade and filtered sunlight. Because Dogwoods are beloved for their beautiful spring blooms, attractive form, and status as Virginia’s state tree, they are frequently planted in residential and commercial landscapes. Unfortunately, they are often planted in locations that do not closely mimic their natural growing environment, leaving them more susceptible to environmental stress.

The other major factors contributing to the decline we are seeing this year are foliar leaf diseases, compounded by heat and drought stress. The combination of prolonged winter weather, spring temperature fluctuations, and a lack of consistent rainfall has placed many Dogwoods under significant stress. Stressed trees are less able to defend themselves against fungal pathogens and other secondary pests resulting in the symptoms that many homeowners are noticing.

Side Note: What About Kousa Dogwoods?

Kousa dogwoods (Cornus kousa, image right) do not appear to be as heavily affected as our native flowering dogwoods (Cornus florida). Kousas generally have greater resistance to many common dogwood diseases and often tolerate heat and drought stress better once established. While they are not immune to environmental stressors, they seem to be weathering this year’s challenging conditions more successfully than many of their native counterparts.

In many cases, leaf diseases are caused by fungal pathogens, and that is especially common in landscape Dogwoods. Symptoms can include blotchy or spotted leaves, yellowing foliage, curling leaves, powdery white growth, and premature leaf drop. While these diseases are rarely fatal on their own, they can significantly reduce a tree’s ability to photosynthesize and manage water efficiently.

Watch for Dogwood Borers

When dogwoods become stressed, they can become more susceptible to secondary pests such as the dogwood borer. This clearwing moth resembles a small wasp, but the real damage comes from its larvae, which tunnel beneath the bark and feed on the tree’s cambium layer.

Dogwood borers are particularly attracted to stressed, wounded, or declining trees. Symptoms may include rough or cracked bark, sawdust-like frass near the base of the trunk, dieback in the canopy, and an overall decline in vigor.

While healthy dogwoods can often tolerate minor infestations, trees already dealing with drought stress, leaf diseases, or other environmental challenges may be more vulnerable to significant damage.

If your dogwood is showing symptoms, don’t panic!

Most healthy trees can tolerate some leaf disease and secondary stressors. However, this year’s extreme weather conditions may warrant professional attention. If you are noticing leaf spotting, premature leaf drop, or canopy decline, contact your consulting arborist for an evaluation and recommendations to help your dogwood weather these stressful conditions.

Dogwood Fun Facts!

• Why the dog in dogwood?
  The name “dogwood” is thought to come from the Old English word “dagwood”. Because the wood is incredibly dense, hard, and resistant to shock, it was historically used to carve daggers (dags), skewers, golf club heads, and textile shuttles.
• Not actually flowers
  The four large “petals” on showy dogwood trees aren’t flower petals at all. They are bracts, which are modified leaves that surround the tree’s true, tiny, and rather inconspicuous green-yellow flowers.
• State pride
  The flowering dogwood is a deeply cherished symbol in the eastern US. It serves as the official state tree of Missouri, the state flower of North Carolina, and both the state tree and flower of Virginia.
• A feast for wildlife
  Dogwood berries (technically called drupes) are eaten by at least 36 species of birds, as well as bears, foxes, chipmunks, and squirrels. The fruit is highly nutritious, packed with calcium and fat.
• Medicinal properties
  During the Civil War, when quinine was scarce, people used dogwood bark to make an anti-malarial tea. The bark is rich in tannins and was frequently used as an herbal remedy for pain and fevers