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Eastern Redbud · Cercis canadensis

Why are there spots on my Eastern Redbud leaves?

Spots on Redbud leaves are usually caused by fungal issues that thrive in humid weather. Inspect the spots to see if they have a distinct border or sunken center.

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spots on a plant
Photo: Scot Nelson, CC0

Check these first

  1. Look for sunken areas on the branches.
  2. Check if the spots are only on the leaves or the stems too.
  3. Remove any fallen leaves from the base of the tree.

Likely causes

  1. Botryosphaeria Canker

    Most likely

    How to tell: You see sunken, discolored areas on the branches that lead to leaf spots and dieback. The bark may look cracked or shriveled.

    What to do: Prune out infected branches 6 to 8 inches below the visible canker. Dispose of the clippings away from the tree and sanitize your tools.

  2. Fungal Leaf Spot

    Possible

    How to tell: Small brown or black spots appear on the leaves, sometimes with a yellow halo. These usually show up after periods of heavy rain.

    What to do: Rake up and remove all fallen leaves from under the tree to prevent spores from overwintering. Avoid overhead watering to keep the foliage dry.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your eastern redbud

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

A few spots are common in late summer. Worry if the spots cover most of the leaf surface or if branches are dying back.

Stopping it coming back

Improve air circulation around the tree and avoid wetting the leaves when you water.

Eastern Redbud: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your eastern redbud 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

Can I spray the leaves to stop the spots?
Fungicides are rarely effective once spots appear. Focus on cultural practices like cleaning up debris and proper pruning.
Are these spots contagious to other plants?
Most fungal leaf spots are specific to the tree species. However, it is best to clean up fallen leaves to keep the garden tidy.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Eastern Redbud

Back to the Eastern Redbud 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.