Pussy Willow Death: Poplar/Willow Borer, Not Emerald Ash Borer

Pussy willow in Michigan: few catkins, ⅓ leafed, wood pulp on hostas, then rapid total browning, trunk holes. Emerald ash borer?

Diagnosis: Poplar/Willow Borer (Cryptorhynchus lapathi)

• Preferred host: willow. Also poplar, alder, birch.
• Adults: cryptic weevils; larvae tunnel in stems, girdle, kill.
• Frass (wood pulp) at base; round exit holes; bark cracking.
• Not EAB (ash only).

Treatment

• Trunk spray permethrin (Onyx) or imidacloprid (Merit).
• Or soil-applied imidacloprid (Bayer Advanced) for systemic.

Prognosis

Tree likely dead (total browning). Remove to protect nearby willows/poplars.

Bottom Line

Poplar/willow borer killed it. Treat nearby willows with imidacloprid. Remove dead tree.