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Pacific madrone · Arbutus menziesii

What are these spots on my Pacific madrone leaves?

Spots on madrone leaves are often caused by fungal pathogens that thrive in damp conditions. These spots can range from small dark dots to larger blotches. Look closely at the leaves to see if the spots have a yellow halo.

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spots on a plant
Photo: Scot Nelson, CC0

Check these first

  1. Examine the bark for sunken, discolored patches.
  2. Look for spots on both the top and bottom of the leaves.
  3. Check if the spots are spreading to new growth.

Likely causes

  1. Leaf Spot Fungi

    Most likely

    How to tell: Small brown or black spots appear on the leaves, sometimes with a yellow border. These spots often appear after a long, wet spring.

    What to do: Remove and dispose of any fallen leaves around the base of the tree to reduce fungal spores. Improve air circulation by thinning out crowded branches.

  2. Madrone Canker

    Possible

    How to tell: You see sunken lesions on the bark or branches alongside leaf spots. The leaves on affected branches may turn brown and die.

    What to do: Prune out infected branches at least 6 inches below the visible canker. Sterilize your pruning shears with alcohol between every cut to prevent spreading the fungus.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your pacific madrone

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

Small, scattered spots are usually cosmetic and not a major threat. Worry if you see large cankers on the main trunk or if entire branches are dying back.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the area around the trunk clear of debris and avoid overhead watering that wets the foliage.

Pacific madrone: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your pacific madrone 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 spots kill my tree?
Usually no, they are mostly cosmetic. However, they can weaken the tree if the infection is severe.
Can I spray the tree with fungicide?
Fungicides are rarely effective for established madrone trees. Cultural care like pruning and site management is much better.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Pacific madrone

Back to the Pacific madrone 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.