Caterpillars eating shrub dogwood - Ask Extension
In the past week, my yellow twig dogwood has been nearly devoured by white caterpillars. This plant has previously been a vigorous grower with no pe...
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Caterpillars eating shrub dogwood #877135
Asked July 14, 2024, 7:45 AM EDT
In the past week, my yellow twig dogwood has been nearly devoured by white caterpillars. This plant has previously been a vigorous grower with no pest problems. The crawlers are about an inch long. What are they and do I need to get rid of them? I assume the plant will survive the attack.
Anne Arundel County Maryland
Expert Response
These are not caterpillars but Dogwood Sawfly larvae.
And yes, the plant should be fine even if the larvae are not removed.
More information from NC State Extension:
https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/dogwood-sawfly
Thanks for contacting Ask Extension.
And yes, the plant should be fine even if the larvae are not removed.
More information from NC State Extension:
https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/dogwood-sawfly
Thanks for contacting Ask Extension.
