Knowledgebase

Brown spots on elderberry leaves #879111

Asked July 28, 2024, 1:02 PM EDT

We planted elderberry (Sambucus canadensis, York variety) for the first time this spring (from bare root, so the plants started out about 2 feet tall and have already grown to 3-4 feet). One of them recently developed brown spots on some of the leaves; some of the affected leaves also show yellowing, though I don't know if that's related. The plant looks otherwise healthy and is still growing vigorously. We haven't noticed any insects on or around the affected leaves either. The soil it's planted in is somewhat sandy, with good drainage, and has some bark mulch around the base. I've attached several photos showing the leaves. What could be causing this, and what treatment (if any) would be appropriate? Thanks in advance.

Kent County Michigan

Expert Response

Hello Daniel,

This appears to be fungal in nature, potentially Alternaria or Colletotrichum. There also appears to be some stippling caused by a sucking insect, like a leafhopper, which could contribute to the yellowing of the leaves. There isn't a lot you can do for this season, but the removal of infected leaves from the field always helps to reduce the recurring incidence of disease in following years. If it's a small planting you could go in and remove any infected leaves and shoots to prevent the spread, but in a larger planting you may wish to wait until the off season.

If you're growing commercially I would encourage you to implement an IPM program, such as described in this guide from Missouri https://extension.missouri.edu/media/wysiwyg/Extensiondata/Pub/pdf/agguides/pests/ipm1037.pdf

If you're growing for yourself, I would look at the control options in that same guide and focus on early season insects and early season control of disease (some of the products listed are available to home growers). Typically earlier season control of disease prevents subsequent outbreaks later on in the season, though a wet season like this year allows for greater disease development regardless.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 30, 2024, 9:06 AM EDT

Loading ...