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Home > Diseases > Trees and Shrubs > Anthracnose

Anthracnose of Shade Trees

Anthracnose is a group of fungal diseases that cause dark sunken lesions on leaves, stems, flowers and fruits of many deciduous and evergreen trees, including maple, white oak, elm and dogwood. Each species of anthracnose fungus attacks only specific tree species. Although it can cause severe leaf blighting and deformation is is rarely harmful to the tree.

sycamore with anthracnose sycamore leaf infected with anthracnose ash leaves showing symptoms of anthracnose
A sycamore tree showing defoliation as a result of anthracnose. A sycamore leaf infected with anthracnose. Ash leaves showing symptoms of anthracnose.
symptoms of anthracnose maple leaves with symptoms of anthracnose flowering dogwood with anthracnose
Symptoms of anthracnose . Maple leaves showing symptoms of anthracnose infection. Flowering dogwood with anthracnose.

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[Photos, left to right: William Jacobi, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org; William Jacobi, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org; Virginia Tech Learning Resources Center, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Bugwood.org; University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension; Dr. Wayne Sinclair, Cornell University; Mary Ann Hansen, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Bugwood.org]

 
It is the policy of the State of Maine to minimize reliance on pesticides. The Maine Department of Agriculture and the Maine IPM Council encourage everyone to practice integrated pest management and to use pesticides only as a last resort. The mention of pesticides in the fact sheets linked to these pages does not imply an endorsement of any product. Be sure that any product used is currently registered and follow all label directions.