Can I save a plant with orange rust?

If the rust is only on a few leaves, you can prune them off. If the canes themselves look orange and distorted, the plant is usually too far gone and should be removed.

Will these spots kill my plant?

Leaf spot is usually cosmetic, but orange rust can weaken the plant significantly over time. It is important to treat it early to keep your blackberry healthy.

California blackberry: spots, causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the underside of the leaves for orange dust.
Check if the spots have dark rings or centers.
Look for signs of poor airflow around the canes.

Likely causes

Orange Rust
Most likely
How to tell: You will see bright orange or yellow pustules on the undersides of the leaves. The foliage may look distorted or stunted as the fungus spreads.
What to do: Prune away all infected canes and leaves immediately to stop the spread. Dispose of the clippings in the trash rather than your compost pile. Keep the area around the base of the plant clear of debris to improve airflow.
Leaf Spot
Possible
How to tell: These appear as small brown or black spots with lighter centers on the leaf surface. They often show up after periods of high humidity or overhead watering.
What to do: Avoid watering the leaves directly by using a drip system or watering at the base of the plant. Remove any heavily spotted leaves to reduce the fungal load. Apply a copper based fungicide if the infection persists.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your california blackberry

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

If the orange rust covers more than half of the plant, it is likely systemic and the entire plant may need to be removed to protect others. Small, isolated spots are manageable with pruning.

Stopping it coming back

Provide plenty of space between plants and avoid overhead watering to keep foliage dry.

California blackberry: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your california blackberry 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

Can I save a plant with orange rust?: If the rust is only on a few leaves, you can prune them off. If the canes themselves look orange and distorted, the plant is usually too far gone and should be removed.
Will these spots kill my plant?: Leaf spot is usually cosmetic, but orange rust can weaken the plant significantly over time. It is important to treat it early to keep your blackberry healthy.

Guides to these causes

Leaf Spot

Why are there orange spots on my California blackberry leaves?