Knowledgebase

Satomi Dogwood tress bark issue #926844

Asked March 26, 2026, 4:42 PM EDT

Our 5 year old Satomi Dogwood tree has a yellow scaly looking substance on it. What is it and does it need to be treated.

Lapeer County Michigan

Expert Response

Thank you for contacting Ask Extension. What you have is called lichen. Lichen is a living organism that is both algae and fungi. It has a symbiotic relationship with the tree it is growing on. It will not harm the tree. It sometimes will grow on slow growing trees and trees that are in decline. I have included a few references for you to look at.

If we can be of further help, please let us know.

https://extension.umd.edu/resource/lichen-algae-and-moss-trees/

https://njaes.rutgers.edu/fs1205/

https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/liking_lichens_in_the_landscape

Thank you for contacting us! Replied March 27, 2026, 6:12 PM EDT

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