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Why are my columbine leaves changing color? #871109

Asked June 01, 2024, 11:29 PM EDT

I just noticed these leaves changing color today. To the best of my knowledge, they were not doing this a few days ago or I was just not paying attention. These columbine are well established and have been blooming (and spreading) without problems for years. Thank you for your advice on what might be happening.

Washington County Oregon

Expert Response

Hi... I realized I uploaded the wrong photo. This is the columbine photo I meant to have loaded.  Ignore the other photo unless you are an expert in identifying native avens from non-native avens. :)  Do you know what might be causing the leaves to change color?  Thank again!

The Question Asker Replied June 07, 2024, 11:36 PM EDT
Thank you for your question, Vicki (and the clarification).  There are two diseases which may cause discoloration of columbine.  The first are leaf spots causes by a fungus:  https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/columbine-aquilegia-spp-leaf-spots

The second is a lightening of the leaves caused by another fungus, powdery mildew:  https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/columbine-aquilegia-spp-powdery-mildew

I'm afraid that your photo is taken from too far a distance for us to discern which yours has, because there is not detail, and we would need to see the underleaf, as well.  You can read these descriptions to find out control recommendations.  It is too late to apply fungicides, so you may just need to live with it until next year.  Good luck!
An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 13, 2024, 3:07 PM EDT

Thank you.. I think it is Stagonosporopsis aquilegiae because purple is involved even though the pictures in the handbook do not quite look like what I have. I have attached a few more photos. The leaves on many of the plants are completely purple on top, the stems are purple also , and the flowers have dried up without forming seeds it appears. On some there may be some powdery mildew are well.  I will remove the purpling plants and any mildew ones as well and dispose of them in my green waste garbage bin. Do I need to remove the roots in addition to the vegetative sections?  And I also have lupine in my garden and they have powdery mildew on their leaves and stems already - I normally get powdery mildew on the lupine every year but this is super early this year.   Should I likewise get rid of  the parts of the lupine that have mildew on them?  Thanks again. 


The Question Asker Replied June 17, 2024, 1:06 AM EDT
It appears to be powdery mildew.  It's caused by an airborne fungus, which doesn't effect the roots, so root removal won't help (for any species).  You may also have some Eastern Red Columbine mixed in.  You can apply a fungicide, but it prevents--not cures--fungal infections.  You can apply it just as the leaves form, but new rain often washes it off.  Thinning out your plants will provide more air flow, which may cut down on the water resting on the leaves.  Good luck!
An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 17, 2024, 10:40 AM EDT

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