Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Sunday - June 12, 2011
From: Downers Grove , IL
Region: Midwest
Topic: Diseases and Disorders
Title: Rust problems on Jack in the Pulpit in IL
Answered by: Anne Bossart
QUESTION:
The last 2 years I have noticed that some of my jack in the pulpit plants have something that makes me think of a copper color rust.It seems to start on the underside of the leaves. What can I do to get rid of it and/or keep it from spreading? Thank you.ANSWER:
Unfortunately, wihtout actually seeing your plants, we cannot make a conclusive diagnosis of your problem. We recommend you contact your local Agricultural Extension office. They will be able to offer suggestions and perhaps have you drop by with a leaf sample.
A quick internet search indicates that Jack in the Pulpit plants are quite susceptible to rust fungi. This comprehensive article by Wikipedia may help you diagnose the problem yourself and will offer treatment suggestions.
The best advice we can offer is to remove infected leaves and destroy them at the first sign of infection. When plants are finished blooming flower stalks should be cut down and destroyed. Good sanitation is necessary as rust spores over-winter on the ground in plant debris. This ehow article on organic rust control may be helpful ... we strongly discourage the use of chemical fungicides.
More Diseases and Disorders Questions
Tan, rough, fan-shaped growth on mountain laurels
July 01, 2014 - A tan rough fan-shaped "something" is growing at the end of the mountain laurel branch where the flowers would be .. what is it and can it harm the plant?
view the full question and answer
Protection of American beautyberry in Pennsylvania
July 30, 2007 - I have had a beauty berry 2 years now. I trim it back in early spring and it returns beautifully. ...but no flowers this year and it's almost August. Last year, very few berries. Can you help? I...
view the full question and answer
Dying non-native St. Augustine grass from Austin
May 02, 2013 - Although we all know St. Augustine grass is not a good thing, I am stuck with it and am trying to save areas that appear to have take-all fungus. I have done much reading online and have tried peat m...
view the full question and answer
Problems with Gregg's mistflower from Fredericksburg, TX
May 19, 2013 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants: Something is wilting the tops of my Gregg's mistflower, Conoclinium greggii. I cannot see bugs on the plant, so I am wondering if it's a disease. The problem is widespread to...
view the full question and answer
Bottlebrush buckeye not leafing out from Newburyport MA
June 11, 2013 - We have a bottlebrush buckeye bush that has grown and blossomed for 16 years. This spring the bush failed to produce any leaves and there are no buds in anticipation of leaves. There are a few smaller...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |