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Wingstem · Verbesina alternifolia

What are these bugs on my Wingstem?

It is less common for Wingstem to have major pest issues, as it is a hardy native plant. When bugs do appear, they are usually aphids or spider mites attracted by stress or dry conditions. Check the undersides of the leaves first.

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pests on a plant
Photo: Jules Verne Times Two, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Inspect the undersides of leaves for tiny moving specks.
  2. Look for sticky residue on the stems or leaves.
  3. Check for fine webbing between the nodes.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see tiny green or black insects clustered on new growth or flower buds. They often leave behind a sticky residue called honeydew.

    What to do: Spray the plant with a strong stream of water to knock them off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap once a week until they are gone.

  2. Spider Mites

    Possible

    How to tell: The leaves look speckled or yellow, and you might see fine webbing between stems. These pests thrive in hot and dry environments.

    What to do: Increase humidity around the plant by misting it or watering more regularly. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove the mites and their webs.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your wingstem

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

A few bugs are rarely a problem for a healthy plant. You should only worry if the infestation is covering the majority of the plant or causing leaves to curl and drop.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant well watered to prevent stress, which makes it less attractive to pests. Regularly wash the leaves with water to keep them clean.

Wingstem: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your wingstem 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

Can I use neem oil on Wingstem?
Yes, neem oil is effective against most pests. Apply it in the evening to avoid burning the leaves in the sun.
Will the bugs kill my plant?
Most infestations are minor and won't kill the plant. Just keep an eye on it and treat it if the bug population grows.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Wingstem

Back to the Wingstem 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.