Cone flower question - Ask Extension
Hello,
Is the green growth in the center of my cone flower abnormal. Could it be aster yellows?
Knowledgebase
Cone flower question #877379
Asked July 15, 2024, 6:45 PM EDT
Hello,
Is the green growth in the center of my cone flower abnormal. Could it be aster yellows?
Anne Arundel County Maryland
Expert Response
We can't rule Aster Yellows out, but the symptoms more closely resemble Coneflower Rosette Mite damage at this point, which is commonly misdiagnosed as Aster Yellows. You can use the information and images on the linked page to make comparisons and monitor the plants for future symptom development.
Miri
Miri
Thank you! Should I do anything about the mites or just continue to monitor the plant?
Sent from my iPhone
Sent from my iPhone
On Jul 16, 2024, at 10:52 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The mites might be able to be reduced in number temporarily by blasting the cone with a strong spray of plain water from a garden hose (of course, make sure the hot water is run out of it first). Or, as the article mentioned, just carefully cut off the affected flower stalks (to avoid sprinkling mites over more of the plant) and compost them.
Miri
Miri