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American Hazelnut Leaf Discoloration #876292

Asked July 08, 2024, 10:02 AM EDT

This spring, I planted 5 American Hazelnut seedlings from my local conservation district. All are doing well, but one of them has developed patches of brown discoloration in the middle of it's new leaves. Interestingly, the plant looks healthy in every other way and shows no visible insect damage or signs of environmental stress, although it hasn't grown quite as fast or as big as the other 4 seedlings even though it gets a little more direct sun. At first, I thought it might indicate lack of water, but there is no change in texture within the browned leaf patches as I would expect with watering issues. Since none of the other seedlings have this leaf discoloration, I'm wondering what it is and what might be causing it. Is it a fungus? Or leaf scorch? Or could it just be natural variation in leaf color? Thanks so much for your help.

Kalamazoo County Michigan

Expert Response

Thanks for your question. This plant does look very healthy. Since these are seedlings (rather than genetically identical clonally propagated plants) it makes sense that there is some variation in their growth. I believe that this discoloration you are seeing is just some natural color variegation. Some species develop this color variegation at the center of the leaves, often times with the new growth. Additionally, there are purple-leaved varieties of this species.

This could just remain as a characteristics of this plant's new growth each year. It could also be 'unstable' variegation, meaning the variegation won't always continue to be displayed on the plant annually. 

No cause for concern and it's just a unique bonus of planting seedlings!

An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 10, 2024, 12:40 PM EDT
Thank you for your reply.  That's great news!  I'm relieved to know there is no cause for concern, and I will eagerly watch to see if the variegation on these leaves continues to be displayed in future growing seasons.   
On Wed, Jul 10, 2024 at 12:40 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied July 10, 2024, 2:45 PM EDT

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