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Worms on coneflower #879544

Asked July 31, 2024, 9:52 AM EDT

Could you please help me identify these tiny worms found on the center of my coneflowers? The leavers and rest of plants seem fine. Flowers that these worms are on seem fine. I have found other flowers on same plants with some deformities. I unfortunately cleaned up the plant yesterday and did not take a picture with flowers with deformities- seemed consistent with coneflower rosemite to me. I did cut one of these deformed flowers open to discover a larger black worm on the inside of it. Is there something I can do to eliminate/control these without harming the plant pollinators?

Kent County Michigan

Expert Response

It is possible that you are seeing the beginning stages of the coneflower rosette mite.  This article from Ohio State University has additional pictures that you can compare to what you saw in your garden.  https://bygl.osu.edu/node/1845

As for the caterpillar, or larva, that you are seeing on the coneflowers, it could be an insect that will cause damage later in the summer, or it might be nothing.  Keep an eye out for moths, butterflies, or beetle-like insects.  

Pesticides are not recommended, but removing the flowers is recommended.  If you want to try to keep some of the coneflowers, start by removing only the damaged and deformed flowers. By doing this, you may be able to keep some of the flowers for the pollinators. 

Thank you for your question. 

Thank you for your question!  Replied July 31, 2024, 10:56 AM EDT

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