Check these first
- Inspect the undersides of the leaves for orange powder.
- Remove any infected foliage from the plant.
- Clear away dead leaves from the base of the plant.
Likely causes
Orange Rust Fungus
Most likelyHow to tell: You will see bright orange or yellow powdery pustules on the undersides of the leaves. The leaves may eventually curl or drop prematurely.
What to do: Prune away and destroy any heavily infected leaves or canes immediately. Do not compost this material. Improve air circulation by thinning out crowded branches.
Leaf Spot Disease
PossibleHow to tell: These appear as dark brown or black spots with lighter centers. They often occur when the foliage stays wet for too long.
What to do: Water at the base of the plant rather than overhead to keep the leaves dry. Remove fallen leaves from the ground to prevent spores from splashing back up.
Find out what's wrong with your salmonberry
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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
If the spots cover more than half of the foliage, the plant will struggle to photosynthesize. A few small spots are manageable with good garden hygiene.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the area around your Salmonberry clear of debris and ensure it has enough space for air to move freely between branches.
Salmonberry: spots? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your salmonberry 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Can I save the leaves that have spots?
- It is best to remove them. Once the fungus is established, the leaf will not recover and will only spread spores to healthy parts of the plant.
- Will this kill my Salmonberry?
- Usually no, but it can weaken the plant over time. Keeping the plant healthy with proper water and light helps it resist these infections.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Salmonberry
- Why are there bugs on my Salmonberry?
- Why are my Salmonberry leaves turning yellow?
- Why are my salmonberry leaves getting brown tips?
- Why is my salmonberry plant drooping?
- Why is my salmonberry losing its leaves?
- Why is my salmonberry not flowering?
- How do I fix root rot on my salmonberry?
- Why is my salmonberry growing so leggy?
- Why are my salmonberry leaves curling?
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.

