Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Inspect the undersides of leaves for fungal growth.
- Check if your plant is crowded by other foliage.
- Observe if the spots are spreading rapidly after rain.
Likely causes
Fungal Rust
Most likelyHow to tell: You will see small, raised, reddish or brown spots on the foliage. These often appear when the air stays damp for too long.
What to do: Prune away the most heavily affected branches to improve airflow. Avoid overhead watering to keep the leaves dry. Apply a copper based fungicide if the infection continues to spread.
Poor Air Circulation
PossibleHow to tell: The plant is crowded by other shrubs or is in a spot where the wind does not reach. This creates a stagnant environment that fungi love.
What to do: Trim back surrounding plants to give your wattle more space. Ensure it is planted in a location that gets plenty of natural breeze.
When to worry
Worry if the spots cover more than half of the foliage or if the leaves begin to drop prematurely. A few spots are normal during a very wet season.
Stopping it coming back
Plant your wattle in full sun with plenty of space for air to move around the branches.
Not sure which one it is? Photograph your golden wattle.
This page lists the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at your actual leaf and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Can I wash the spots off?
- No, these spots are part of the leaf tissue damaged by fungus. Washing will not remove them and may actually spread the spores.
- Will the spots kill my tree?
- Usually no, but it can weaken the plant over time. Keeping the foliage dry is the best way to stop it from becoming a major issue.
More problems with Golden Wattle
Back to the Golden Wattle guide
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.