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Olive tree · Olea europaea

What are these dark spots on my olive tree leaves?

Those circular marks are likely Peacock Spot, a common fungal issue for olive trees. It thrives in damp, humid conditions and can cause significant leaf loss if left untreated.

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spots on a plant
Photo: Scot Nelson, CC0

Check these first

  1. Look closely at the leaves for circular, dark patterns.
  2. Check if the leaves are constantly wet or in high humidity.
  3. Inspect the surrounding area for poor airflow.

Likely causes

  1. Peacock Spot Fungus

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see dark, circular spots on the leaves, sometimes with a yellow halo.

    What to do: Remove and dispose of all infected leaves to stop the spread. Apply a copper based fungicide according to the label instructions during the dormant season.

  2. Poor Air Circulation

    Possible

    How to tell: The tree is crowded by other plants or kept in a stagnant, humid room.

    What to do: Prune the center of the tree to open up the canopy. Move the tree to a location with better airflow.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your olive tree

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 are spreading rapidly and causing the tree to defoliate, you must act quickly to save the plant.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the leaves dry when watering and ensure the tree has plenty of space for air to move through the branches.

Olive tree: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your olive tree 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 Peacock Spot contagious to other plants?
It is specific to olive trees, but it can spread to other olives nearby. Keep infected trees isolated.
Should I prune the spotted leaves?
Yes, removing infected foliage helps reduce the amount of fungus present on the tree.

More problems with Olive tree

Back to the Olive tree 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.