Sawflies resemble caterpillars (often covered with white powdery material) Leaf scorch, powdery mildew, drought, poor site conditions, crown canker Peeling, cracked bark near the base of the tree, brown leaf edges/wilting purple/red leaf color Septoria Leaf Spot ( Septoria cornicola)or to a lesser extent Phyllosticta or Cercosporaĭark spots on leaves and flower bracts blighted leaves twig dieback reduces flowering, causes defoliation (spring)īrowning leaf edges, leaves drooping, wilting Gray, fuzzy growth on terminal leaves and flowers Spots on leaves or flower bracts 1/8 inch spots or smaller (spring) May be on upper and lower surfaces (usually spring only) causes early fall color symptoms (purple/red leaf color) This text table includes the common problems of dogwoods as well as minor, occasional pests of lesser significance. Apply according to the label instructions.

If an infestation is heavy, particularly on a young plant, the larvae may be sprayed with horticultural oil registered for landscape use. Management is seldom needed, but if desired, wear gloves and manually remove and discard the larvae.

These mature larvae will wander about in search of an overwintering site, generally in soft or decaying wood.

The mature larvae are yellowish with a shiny black head and black spots.

After their final molt, they lose the powdery covering and change color.

After the second molt, the larvae become covered with a white powdery material.

Upon hatching, the young larvae feed together and chew the leaves.

The female lays eggs on the undersides of the leaves.

Adult sawflies, which resemble tiny wasps, emerge during late spring and early summer.

The larvae (juveniles) resemble caterpillars and feed on the foliage.

They are mostly seen on shrub dogwoods - e.g., silky dogwood ( Cornus amomum) and red osier dogwood (C.

The dogwood sawfly is an occasional pest of dogwoods.

Symptoms: leaves are chewed or eaten entirely.

Pictures of cherokee brave dogwood