Will the white spots kill my plant?

Usually no, but it weakens the plant over time. It is best to treat it early.

Can I wash the spots off?

You can wipe them off, but the fungus is still there. Use a fungicide to stop it from coming back.

Fragrant sumac: spots, causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the leaves for a white, powdery residue.
Check if the plant is crowded by other shrubs.
Observe if the spots appear after a period of high humidity.

Likely causes

Powdery mildew
Most likely
How to tell: A white, dusty coating appears on the surface of the leaves. It may look like someone sprinkled flour on the foliage.
What to do: Prune out heavily infected branches to improve airflow. Apply a neem oil spray or a fungicide labeled for powdery mildew once a week until the spots disappear.
Poor air circulation
Possible
How to tell: The shrub is planted too close to other plants or a wall, trapping humidity.
What to do: Thin out the center of the shrub to allow air to move through the branches. Consider moving nearby plants to give your sumac more space.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your fragrant sumac

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

Treat it as soon as you see it to prevent the fungus from spreading to the whole plant. It rarely kills the shrub but can make it look unsightly.

Stopping it coming back

Water at the base of the plant rather than overhead to keep the leaves dry. Give the shrub plenty of space to breathe.

Fragrant sumac: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your fragrant sumac 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.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Will the white spots kill my plant?: Usually no, but it weakens the plant over time. It is best to treat it early.
Can I wash the spots off?: You can wipe them off, but the fungus is still there. Use a fungicide to stop it from coming back.

Guides to these causes

Powdery Mildew

Why are there white spots on my fragrant sumac?