Burning bush - Ask Extension
Hello, I have had a burning bush shrub in my south facing front yard for years. This year, it is looking very witty and has what I think are insect bi...
Knowledgebase
Burning bush #879375
Asked July 30, 2024, 9:25 AM EDT
Hello, I have had a burning bush shrub in my south facing front yard for years. This year, it is looking very witty and has what I think are insect bite marks all over. I don't see any evidence of mites but we have had a bad Japanese beetle problem this year and the last few years. Is this a Japanese beetle issue or could it be fungal, a moisture issue with all the rain we've had or something else? I appreciate any advice you can give me to save my shrub. Thank you!!!
Washington County Minnesota
Expert Response
Some leaves appear to have been damaged by Japanese beetles or other insects. However, the damage is insignificant, and probably unrelated to the wilt which is of greater concern.
We can't determine what's causing the wilt by viewing the photos.
The plant might be affected by verticillium wilt or root rot caused by disease or poor drainage.
Based upon what we can see in the photo, the wilt appears to be systemic and may be fatal. Depending upon how much you value the plant, consider asking a certified arborist to assess the shrub's health onsite and recommend a course of action.
By the way, Euonymus alatus is no longer recommended for planting in Minnesota because of its invasive characteristics.
https://extension.umn.edu/identify-invasive-species/burning-bush
We can't determine what's causing the wilt by viewing the photos.
The plant might be affected by verticillium wilt or root rot caused by disease or poor drainage.
Based upon what we can see in the photo, the wilt appears to be systemic and may be fatal. Depending upon how much you value the plant, consider asking a certified arborist to assess the shrub's health onsite and recommend a course of action.
By the way, Euonymus alatus is no longer recommended for planting in Minnesota because of its invasive characteristics.
https://extension.umn.edu/identify-invasive-species/burning-bush
