Will these spots kill my dogwood?

If it is anthracnose, it can be fatal if left untreated for several seasons. Minor leaf spots are usually just a cosmetic issue.

Should I spray my plant with fungicide?

Only use fungicide if you have confirmed a fungal infection and pruning has not stopped it. It is best used as a preventative in early spring.

Common dogwood: spots, causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the leaves for purple borders.
Look for dead twigs or branches.
Check if the spots are spreading to new growth.

Likely causes

Dogwood anthracnose
Most likely
How to tell: You will see irregular brown or tan spots with dark purple borders on the leaves. It often spreads from the leaves into the twigs causing dieback.
What to do: Prune away all infected branches 6 inches below the visible damage. Clean your shears with rubbing alcohol between every cut to stop the spread. Dispose of all fallen leaves and debris immediately.
Leaf spot fungi
Possible
How to tell: These appear as small circular spots that might have a yellow halo around them. They usually show up during periods of high moisture.
What to do: Improve air circulation around the shrub by thinning out crowded branches. Avoid overhead watering that splashes water onto the foliage. Apply a copper based fungicide if the infection is widespread.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your common 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.

When to worry

Worry if you see the spots moving from leaves into the main stems or trunk. A few spots are normal in late summer as the plant prepares for dormancy.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the area under the shrub clear of old leaves and mulch to prevent fungal spores from splashing back up onto the plant.

Common dogwood: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your common 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 these spots kill my dogwood?: If it is anthracnose, it can be fatal if left untreated for several seasons. Minor leaf spots are usually just a cosmetic issue.
Should I spray my plant with fungicide?: Only use fungicide if you have confirmed a fungal infection and pruning has not stopped it. It is best used as a preventative in early spring.

Why are there spots on my Common dogwood leaves?

Check these first

Likely causes

Dogwood anthracnose

Leaf spot fungi

Find out what's wrong with your common dogwood

When to worry

Stopping it coming back

Common dogwood: spots? Check yours with a photo

Questions people ask

Guides to these causes

More problems with Common dogwood