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.
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 showing symptoms of anthracnose infection.
Flowering dogwood with anthracnose.
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Identification and Control Information
- Integrated Pest Management for Home Gardeners and Landscape Professionals: Anthracnose (PDF)—University of California
- Anthracnose of Shade Trees (PDF)—Iowa State University Extension
- Anthracnose of Shade Trees (PDF)—Purdue University Extension
- Anthracnose Diseases of Eastern Hardwoods—United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service
- Anthracnose Diseases of Shade Trees—University of Rhode Island Landscape Horticulture Program
More Information
- Maine Forest Service: Conditions Reports (updated regularly) including annual summary reports
[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]