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What is afflicting my pagoda dogwood? #931737

Asked May 14, 2026, 6:02 PM EDT

What are these lesions/cankers on my pagoda dogwood?

Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

I cannot tell with certainty what these are. They look like old damage likely from last summer because I don't see  sawdust-like frass present. The best match seems to be Dogwood Borer, which is a flying insect that lays her egg on a bark opening on flowering dogwoods. Small wet areas on the bark in early summer may indicate young borer activity. Here is a link to more information on a publication from Michigan State University: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/dogwood-borer-a-not-so-new-pest

Paul -Tree Care Advisor volunteer

An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 15, 2026, 12:13 PM EDT

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