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Kousa dogwood · Cornus kousa

Why is my Kousa dogwood losing its leaves?

It is less common for this plant to drop leaves prematurely, which usually points to severe environmental stress or a fungal issue. Check the leaves for spots or white powder first.

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Check these first

  1. Inspect the fallen leaves for spots or fungal growth.
  2. Check the remaining leaves for a white powdery coating.
  3. Look for dead or brittle twigs in the canopy.

Likely causes

  1. Dogwood anthracnose

    Possible

    How to tell: You will see leaf spots with purple borders followed by premature leaf drop. Twigs may also show signs of dieback.

    What to do: Remove and destroy all fallen leaves to prevent the fungus from spreading. Prune out infected twigs during dry weather and keep the canopy clear for airflow.

  2. Powdery mildew

    Possible

    How to tell: A white, dusty coating appears on the leaves, causing them to curl and drop early. This thrives in humid, stagnant air.

    What to do: Thin out crowded branches to improve air circulation. Avoid overhead watering, which keeps the foliage wet and encourages fungal growth.

Leaf drop in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your kousa dogwood

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

Leaf drop is normal in late autumn as the tree prepares for winter. If it happens in midsummer, it is a sign of disease or severe stress.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the area under the tree clean of debris and ensure the tree has plenty of space for air to move through the branches.

Kousa dogwood: leaf drop? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your kousa dogwood 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 my tree die if it loses its leaves in summer?
It is a serious sign of stress, but the tree can recover if you address the cause. Clean up the debris and monitor for new growth.
Should I spray my tree with fungicide?
Fungicides are rarely needed for healthy trees. Focus on good cultural practices like proper watering and air circulation first.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Kousa dogwood

Back to the Kousa dogwood 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.