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Marsh woundwort · Stachys palustris

Why are there spots on my Marsh woundwort?

Spots on your Marsh woundwort are often caused by fungal issues like powdery mildew. Check the leaves for a white, dusty coating that might be causing these marks.

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spots on a plant
Photo: Scot Nelson, CC0

Check these first

  1. Look for a white dusty film on the leaves.
  2. Check if the leaves are staying wet for too long.
  3. Ensure there is enough space between plants.

Likely causes

  1. Powdery Mildew

    Most likely

    How to tell: White, powdery patches appear on the leaves, often leading to yellow or brown spots underneath.

    What to do: Improve air circulation by spacing plants out or using a small fan. You can treat the fungus with a mixture of water and a little baking soda or a mild fungicide.

  2. Fungal Leaf Spot

    Possible

    How to tell: Dark or discolored spots appear on the foliage, often with a yellow halo around them.

    What to do: Remove the affected leaves to stop the spread. Avoid overhead watering to keep the leaves dry.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your marsh woundwort

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 or covering most of the foliage, it can weaken the plant significantly. A few small spots are usually manageable.

Stopping it coming back

Water at the base of the plant rather than over the leaves to keep the foliage dry.

Marsh woundwort: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your marsh woundwort 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 powdery mildew contagious?
Yes, it spreads easily through air currents to other nearby plants. Isolate the affected plant until it is clear.
Can I wash the spots off?
You can gently wipe the leaves, but this does not kill the fungus. You must treat the underlying issue.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Marsh woundwort

Back to the Marsh woundwort 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.