Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

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.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Share

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.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
1 rating

Thursday - April 17, 2008

From: St Augustine, FL
Region: Southeast
Topic: Trees
Title: Treatment of black mildew on magnolia
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

I think my magnolia has black mildew. How do I treat it?

ANSWER:

We are assuming that your tree is the Magnolia grandiflora (southern magnolia), which is native to Florida. We found an excellent website on this plant from the University of Florida Extension Service. Near the end of the article is a section on Diseases, where we found this information: "Magnolias may be subject to leaf spots, blights, scabs and black mildew caused by a large number of fungi or a bacterium, but they rarely require chemical controls. Raking up and disposing infected leaves may reduce leaf spots next year."

For better on-the-spot information and suggestions on control (or the lack of need for it), go to this website from the St. John's County Extension Office. It has phone numbers and e-mail address for you to contact them. If the problem you are having is widespread, they will be aware of it and can offer you publications and advice in your environment.


Magnolia grandiflora

Magnolia grandiflora
 

More Trees Questions

When to transplant volunteer Cedar Elms in Cedar Park, TX?
October 11, 2012 - We have a number of volunteer cedar elms we would like to transplant. When is the best time to do this? Should they be potted first and later transplanted or transplanted immediately? Thanks.
view the full question and answer

Should I use wound paint when pruning my live oak tree?
February 04, 2010 - When trimming live oak branches, is it best to coat the wound on the tree? I have been doing this but have recently heard that it can actually be bad for the tree.
view the full question and answer

Identity of fragrant oak-like leaves used at funeral
October 14, 2012 - In the early 1950's I attended my grandmother's funeral in the Southern West Virginia area. At the gravesite, the funeral home had provided what looked like dried oak leaves, (red brown and gold col...
view the full question and answer

Trees failing to prosper from Denham Spring LA
December 23, 2013 - I live in Louisiana. Out of all of the native trees that we grow, there are two in particular that always struggle no matter what the conditions are in which they grow. The first one, sassafras, is ...
view the full question and answer

Fruit on Mexican olive in Austin
June 05, 2008 - Does Mexican Olive set fruit in Austin? Does there need to be a male and female tree or not. How old does the plant have to be to set fruit? Mine is three years old but no olives. I need to know ...
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.