The majority of people believe that all plants should grow picture perfect and when a blemish appears that it is time to panic. The truth is that trees are susceptible to odd growths, defects, and imperfections and it doesn’t always mean they are diseased or ready to die.
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Lichens- Lichens are patchy growths found on the bark of the trees and rocks. They are a combination of a fungus with algae, and look round spots in many different colors ranging from gold to green, gray to white. They do not harm the tree at all and can be an indicator of good air quality! Find more information here: https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/lichens/
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Galls- Galls are a usually round overgrowth that can form in many different places on trees, including leaves, flowers and twigs. A gall is the plant's reaction to a small parasitic insect laying its eggs in the tissue, the plant then reacts and grows around it to protect that area. Some common examples are ash flower gall, oak twig gall, and maple gall. Find more information here: https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/deciduous-tree-galls/
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Burls- Burls are areas of bulging wood that grow out of the trunk of a tree. The exact cause is unknown, and the burl will continue to increase in size as the tree does. The wood from the burl is often used in woodworking to make bowls or other objects, as the grain of the wood is extremely patterned. Find more information here: https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2022/01/mystery-tree-burls
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Sooty Mold- Sooty mold looks exactly like its name, soot-like mold that covers leaves and trunks of trees. Sooty mold is a fungus that grows from the high sugar secretions during heavy insect feeding from aphids, thrips, or other small insects. They secrete a substance called honeydew that drips onto leaves and branches providing a basis for sooty mold to grow. Sooty mold can thankfully be washed off if desired, however should clear up during dry weather periods. Find more information here: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0145/8808/4272/files/A2637.pdf
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Wetwood- Wetwood is a discoloration of bark and wood on many tree species. This is caused by a bacteria that colonizes within the tree. During the summer, the pressure builds in the infected wood and causes sap to ooze out of the tree, the bark becomes stained initially a dark black color and then fades to tan or grey. Find more information here: https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/bacterial-wetwood/
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Smooth Patch- Smooth patch is a fungal condition where the outer layer of bark sloughs off the tree due to a fungus colonization. Trees have smooth patches of light colored bark in oval and circular patterns. This usually is found on white oak trees, but may infect other tree species as well. Find more information here: https://web.extension.illinois.edu/hortanswers/detailproblem.cfm?PathogenID=43
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Brooming- Brooming, also called a “witches broom” is a tree or shrub deformity where the plant produces a dense cluster of short twiggy growth. This is typically caused by a fungi, virus, or mites. They are most easily viewed in the fall and winter when there is no foliage to obstruct the view. Find more information here: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/witches-broom-trees/
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Tree growths and conditions can add interest to your landscape! Supporting trees with proper water and nutrients can help trees thrive for years to come. If you notice these conditions but have additional questions, or would like to learn more contact our office, you can reach me at kaitlin.bricco@wisc.edu or 920-832-4764.
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Moth Gardens
Moths are often a forgotten pollinator, but are vital for the environment! Both moths and butterflies are in the Lepidoptera order, and while butterflies are colorful and popular, there are far more moth species than butterflies. How do we support this beneficial insect?
Moths are primarily nocturnal and are most active at night. Plants that reflect moonlight are most attractive to moths; this includes plants with pale and white colored flowers or that have light green or silver foliage. Native host plants also support moths in their larval form and are necessary to complete their life cycle.
Incorporate these plants for a moth friendly garden:
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- Blazing Star (Liatris sp.)
- Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis)
- Flowering Tobacco (Nicotiana sp.)
- Foamflower (Tiarella sp.)
- Goldenrod (Solidago sp.)
- Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)
- Moonflower (Ipomoea alba)
- Northern Bush Honeysuckle (Diervilla lonicera)
- Serviceberry (Amelanchier sp.)
- Yucca (Yucca sp.)
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Something eating your plant? Need help identifying a tree? Interested in the best way to care for your lawn? Submit your questions online!
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| Kaitlin Bricco, Horticulture Educator |
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The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law.
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