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Buttery plant problems #871467

Asked June 04, 2024, 9:42 AM EDT

I’ve had this plant for many years. This is the first time this has happened. Can you please tell me what’s caused this, and how to treat?? Thank you!!

Wayne County Michigan

Expert Response

Hi,

Can you tell me the name of the plant? Or send me another image that shows the whole plant so that I can identify it?

Lindsey K. Kerr, MS, MHP (she, her, hers) Replied June 04, 2024, 1:56 PM EDT

I see i misspelled Butterfly plant!


The Question Asker Replied June 04, 2024, 4:53 PM EDT
Hi,
 I see I misspelled “Butterfly” plant! Here is a picture of more of the plant:
image0.jpeg
JNP

On Jun 4, 2024, at 1:56 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:


The Question Asker Replied June 05, 2024, 12:04 PM EDT

I can't be sure from just these photos, but earwigs are common pest of plants, including butterfly bush. 

Can you go out and look at your plants at night or early morning? Grab a flashlight and look for earwigs or other pests on the leaves or hiding in the leaf buds. They will run when they see you coming, so you have to look quickly. If you can see what is eating the plant, we can figure out a preventative solution. 

The damage is only cosmetic. I don't think that it will harm the plant overall. It looks very healthy and vigorous. You can pick off the damaged leaves if you do not like them and the plant will be fine and put out new growth. 

Lindsey K. Kerr, MS, MHP (she, her, hers) Replied June 05, 2024, 12:54 PM EDT

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