Lilac mold - Ask Extension
What might be causing the lilacs to lose their leaves and die? And what can be done. I have noticed this all up and down some city streets.
Knowledgebase
Lilac mold #880766
Asked August 08, 2024, 6:54 PM EDT
What might be causing the lilacs to lose their leaves and die? And what can be done. I have noticed this all up and down some city streets.
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
We have had many questions in Minnesota this year regarding lilac leaf diseases, especially from the southern part of the state. If you search old questions, I'm sure you can find a few answers by me and other Master Gardeners.
Many of these diseases have similar symptoms. Here are some links to information on a few of these diseases:
https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/leaf-spot-diseases-trees-and-shrubs#bacterial-leaf-spots-and-blight-1156513
https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/encyclopedia/lilac-bacterial-blight
https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/article/2021/08/summer-foliar-lilac-diseases
If you want to identify exactly what a specific lilac has, send a sample to the plant disease clinic:
https://pdc.umn.edu/
In most cases, the lilac will survive, although bloom may be reduced next season.
Many of these diseases have similar symptoms. Here are some links to information on a few of these diseases:
https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/leaf-spot-diseases-trees-and-shrubs#bacterial-leaf-spots-and-blight-1156513
https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/encyclopedia/lilac-bacterial-blight
https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/article/2021/08/summer-foliar-lilac-diseases
If you want to identify exactly what a specific lilac has, send a sample to the plant disease clinic:
https://pdc.umn.edu/
In most cases, the lilac will survive, although bloom may be reduced next season.
