‘Dynamite’ Crape Myrtle disease - Ask Extension
Is the yellow growth on the bark anything to worry about?
Knowledgebase
‘Dynamite’ Crape Myrtle disease #868092
Asked May 12, 2024, 3:48 PM EDT
Is the yellow growth on the bark anything to worry about?
Marion County Oregon
Expert Response
Dear Sofia,
Thank you for contacting us about your crepe myrtle. This is not a pest or disease. It is lichen which is a combination plant made up of algae and a fungus. It is not harmful to your tree and does not require removal.
The presence of lichen is often accompanied by high moisture and shade. Since some harmful fungi (sooty mold and others) also prefer those conditions, maintain good air-flow in and around your tree.
Here are some of the many lichens that grow on trees. Again, they are not harmful to the tree:
https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/blog/2019/04/what-is-lichen-seven-types-of-lichen-found-on-trees/#:~:text=Usnea%20subfloridana&text=It's%20a%20bushy%20lichen%20which,acidic%20bark%2C%20such%20as%20birch.
Please write again any time you have a gardening question.
Thank you for contacting us about your crepe myrtle. This is not a pest or disease. It is lichen which is a combination plant made up of algae and a fungus. It is not harmful to your tree and does not require removal.
The presence of lichen is often accompanied by high moisture and shade. Since some harmful fungi (sooty mold and others) also prefer those conditions, maintain good air-flow in and around your tree.
Here are some of the many lichens that grow on trees. Again, they are not harmful to the tree:
https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/blog/2019/04/what-is-lichen-seven-types-of-lichen-found-on-trees/#:~:text=Usnea%20subfloridana&text=It's%20a%20bushy%20lichen%20which,acidic%20bark%2C%20such%20as%20birch.
Please write again any time you have a gardening question.
