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what all is affecting this Oregon Grape? #926681

Asked March 24, 2026, 5:49 PM EDT

Hello, this Oregon Grape bush is on the north side of our house under a Ponderosa Pine tree, and seems to possibly have multiple things affecting it. I thought at first that it might be some kind of fungal leaf rust infection, but I also see that there are wispy spider webs on several parts of the plant as well, so maybe two things are happening to it? Please let me know what you think and what I should do. I’ve been trying to cut away the affected parts, but it’s a large portion of the plant. I ordered Bonide Fung-onil Multi-Purpose Fungicide, but am not sure if that will be effective. Thank you!

Arapahoe County Colorado

Expert Response

Hi Stacy,

Thanks for reaching out to Ask Extension with your question and for sending photos!

The webbing on your leaves looks like an old spider web that maybe succumbed to the elements. It could be from spider mites also, but it looks more like an old spider web to me. I do not see the usual leaf stippling that comes with spider mites. Here is more information about what to look for with spider mites:

 https://extension.colostate.edu/resource/spider-mites/

The leaves that are orangish could just be older leaves on the way out, or stressed leaves that took on some winter color. You might see if there is any damage down the stem from those leaves, or any signs of pests. The damage on these leaves is a mix of brown dead, necrotic spots on the leaf spines, and skeletonized damage leaving holes. I also see those spots that have a dark halo around them. Just to be safe, it would be recommended to remove those leaves, in case they do have a fungal infection.

Overall, I think your plant looks healthy, and your concerns do not seem to affect the entire plant. It is difficult to rule out a fungus from your photos, although your photos do not look like a typical Oregon Grape, (Berberis aquifolium ) rust, and I do not think that you need to be concerned. 

Here is more information about the rusts that affect this plant, and what to look for this spring (when infection occurs):

https://pnwhandbooks.org/node/2207/print

https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/oregon-grape-berberis-aquifolium-rust

I would recommend monitoring your plant regularly to note whether any new spots develop. Remove any leaves that look concerning. Water regularly so that it does not become stressed with our drought and lack of natural precipitation. 

If you do find new spots or damage, feel free to send more photos here.

I hope this helps,

Dawn

Dawn Fradkin Replied March 26, 2026, 8:34 AM EDT

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