elderberry

Asked June 20, 2020, 4:11 PM EDT

My elderberry was doing fine this year and very suddenly about half of the branches shriveled up and died, pictures attached. Any idea what happened? Can I prune off the dead and save the plant? Thanks for your help. Scott Clover, Afton, MN

I live in Washington County.

Cook County Minnesota

1 Response

I don't know for certain, but my guess would be root rot, possibly due to overwatering (or too much rain on poorly drained soil).

I would prune out the damaged branches and wait and see. Monitor soil moisture carefully. Don't water unless necessary.

Read here:

https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/pests-and-problems/diseases/rot/phytophthora-root-rot-of-trees-and-shrubs.aspx

http://pnwhandbooks.dev.extension.oregonstate.edu/plantdisease/pathogen-articles/common/oomycetes/diagnosis-control-phytophthora-diseases

If you want an accurate diagnosis, you can send tissue samples to the Plant Disease Clinic (for a small fee):

https://pdc.umn.edu/submit-sample

Dennis W.

Replied June 21, 2020, 3:24 PM EDT