Dogwood Anthracnose: Branch Dieback After Bloom

Your white dogwood's post-bloom branch dieback and branch fungus in eastern NC strongly suggest dogwood anthracnose (Discula destructiva), a devastating disease in the Southeast.

Symptoms

• Tan leaf spots with purple borders (spring).
• Leaf blight, drooping, persistent dead leaves on branches.
• Cankers on twigs/branches → dieback.
• Epicormic sprouts on trunk (stress response).

Immediate Action

1. Contact NC Forest Service for free forester visit (link in original).
2. Prune out dead branches 6+ inches below cankers. Sterilize tools.
3. Fungicide (spring): Chlorothalonil, mancozeb, or propiconazole at bud break, repeat per label.
4. Mulch, water, avoid wounding—reduce stress.

Long-Term

• Resistant cultivars: 'Appalachian Spring', 'Cherokee Brave', 'Cherokee Princess'.
• If tree is >50% dead, consider replacement with resistant variety.

Dogwood anthracnose has killed millions of native dogwoods. Early intervention is critical.