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Dogwood Anthracnose: Symptoms and Management

Leaves Persisting Through Winter? Could Be Anthracnose

A Michigan dogwood retained dead leaves all winter and showed thinning canopy. Classic signs of dogwood anthracnose (Discula destructiva), a serious fungal disease.

Integrated Management

Water during drought (avoid overhead irrigation)
Mulch 2–4″, keep away from trunk
Fertilize lightly with 10-10-10 (1 lb/inch trunk diameter)
Prune dead wood in dry weather; sterilize tools
Remove water sprouts; rake fallen leaves

Fungicide Options

If high risk or confirmed: myclobutanil (Immunox), propiconazole (Banner), or chlorothalonil (Daconil) at bud break and per label. Consider resistant Cornus kousa for replacement.

Plant Diseases: Korean Dogwood Leaf Scorch: Shallow Root Drought Sensitivity; Propagating Pink Dogwood: Suckers vs. Cuttings; Growing Dogwood Trees from Seed: Overcoming Dormancy Challenges; Dogwood Tree Not Blooming? Lawn Chemicals May Be the Culprit; Dogwood Anthracnose in Charlotte, NC; Pruning Dogwood for Driveway Visibility; Dogwood Staking Damage: Wound Healing; Dogwood Tree Won't Bloom: Wrong Sun, Too Much Nitrogen; Dogwood Spot Anthracnose: Symptoms and Spring Prevention; Fragrant Dogwood: Rare 'Fragrant Cloud' Cultivar May Explain Scented Blooms

Garden Articles

Dogwood Leaf Scorch in Sandy Soil: Environmental Stress, Not Fungus

Dogwood Decline with Moss: Anthracnose or Stress?

Dogwood Leaf Scorch: Water, Mulch, Shade for Establishment

Dogwood Tree Care: Soil Testing Before Amendments

Retaining Wall Near a Mature Dogwood: Why 10 Inches of Fill Will Kill It

Dogwood Pruning Guide: Timing, Techniques & Tree Health

Old Dogwood No Blooms: Alternate Bearing and Stress Suckers

Plants

Dogwood Trunk Ooze: Borer, Not Slime Flux

Dogwood Bark Peeling at Base: Normal Maturation

Dogwood Sprouts After Improper Pruning

Dwarf Dogwood Varieties for Containers

Dogwood Roots Lifting Sidewalk? Unlikely—Check Cedar

Korean Dogwood Vigorous Shoots: Wait Before Pruning

Kousa Dogwood Transplant Shock Recovery