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Columbine · Aquilegia

Why are there white trails on my Columbine leaves?

Those squiggly white lines are likely leaf miners, a common pest for Columbines. They tunnel inside the leaf tissue, which looks messy but rarely kills the plant. Check the undersides of your leaves for tiny larvae or evidence of activity.

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pests on a plant
Photo: Jules Verne Times Two, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Inspect the leaves for winding white trails.
  2. Look for tiny insects on the undersides of leaves.
  3. Check if the plant is losing vigor.

Likely causes

  1. Leaf Miners

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see winding, white or pale trails on the leaf surface. These are tunnels created by larvae feeding between the leaf layers.

    What to do: Simply pinch off and destroy the affected leaves to stop the cycle. Do not compost these leaves, as the larvae can survive. Keep the area around the plant clean of debris.

  2. Aphids

    Possible

    How to tell: Look for clusters of tiny green or black insects on new growth or flower buds. They often cause leaves to curl or become sticky.

    What to do: Spray the plant with a strong stream of water to knock them off. If they persist, use insecticidal soap once a week until they are gone.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your columbine

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

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When to worry

It is normal to see a few trails on older leaves by midsummer. Worry only if the infestation covers most of the foliage and stunts new growth.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your Columbine healthy with consistent water and good airflow. Removing dead foliage in late fall helps reduce overwintering pests.

Columbine: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your columbine and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

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Questions people ask

Will leaf miners kill my Columbine?
Usually no. They are mostly a cosmetic issue that makes the plant look tired by late summer.
Can I use chemicals to kill these pests?
It is best to avoid harsh pesticides, as they often kill the beneficial insects that would otherwise eat the aphids and miners.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Columbine

Back to the Columbine guide

This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.