Orange Slime on Dogwood: Yeast Growth on Sap, Not Disease

After a storm-damaged branch was removed and sealed with pruning paint, a dogwood appeared to “bleed” orange goo. The explanation: clear sap is feeding orange-pigmented yeasts (such as Cryptococcus macerans) that store carotene. The bleeding will stop naturally; the orange residue can be washed off. No treatment is needed beyond keeping the tree healthy so it can compartmentalize the wound.

orange slime on dogwood