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Rough chervil · Chaerophyllum temulum

Why are there spots on my Rough chervil leaves?

Spots on Rough chervil are often caused by fungal issues like powdery mildew. Check the leaves for a white, dusty coating to confirm the cause.

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spots on a plant
Photo: Scot Nelson, CC0

Check these first

  1. Look closely at the undersides of the leaves.
  2. Check if the spots are fuzzy or dry.
  3. Inspect nearby plants for similar symptoms.

Likely causes

  1. Powdery mildew

    Most likely

    How to tell: White, floury patches appear on the leaves during dry spells.

    What to do: Increase air circulation around the plant. You can use a mild neem oil spray to treat the affected leaves.

  2. Leaf spot disease

    Possible

    How to tell: Dark or brown spots with yellow halos appear on the foliage.

    What to do: Remove the infected leaves immediately to stop the spread. Avoid overhead watering to keep the leaves dry.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your rough chervil

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

If the spots cover more than half the leaf surface, the plant will struggle to photosynthesize.

Stopping it coming back

Water at the base of the plant to keep foliage dry and ensure good spacing between plants.

Rough chervil: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your rough chervil 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

Is powdery mildew contagious?
Yes, it spreads easily through air currents. Isolate the plant if possible.
Can I wash the spots off?
You can wipe them off, but the fungus is still present. Treat the plant with an appropriate fungicide.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Rough chervil

Back to the Rough chervil 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.