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 - May 02, 2010
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Trees
Title: June bug larvae destroying Red Twig Dogwood in Pittsburgh, PA
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
June Bug larvae are destroying my Red Twig Dogwood. I have treated with Milky Spore, but the long wait for benefit is too long to save the ailing plant. What can I do? HELP! Thank you from the bottom of those poor roots,ANSWER:
According to this USDA Plant Profile, Cornus sericea (redosier dogwood) is native in and around Allegheny Co. PA, so it's where it belongs, but it does seem to have a lot of pest and disease problems. In addition to the June bug larvae you were asking about, it also is susceptible to twig blight, scale and bagworms. We found a couple of Internet sites that have more information about this slug and beetle, with suggestions for control: June Bugs Lead to Lawn Grubs from North Carolina State Extension Service and How To Get Rid of June Bugs from HowToGetRidofStuff.com.
Since we are neither entomologists nor plant pathologists, we would suggest you contact the Pennsylvania State Cooperate Extension Office for Allegheny County for more close-to-home help. You can bet if you are having that much trouble, others in your area are, too.
From our Native Plant Image Gallery:
More Trees Questions
Fast-growing evergreens for privacy in Center, TX
March 30, 2010 - I live in East Texas and am looking for a fast growing evergreen for a privacy screen around my backyard. The area gets partial sun and the soil has a lot of clay in it.
view the full question and answer
When is the best time to trim oak trees in Driftwood TX?
September 09, 2010 - When is the best time to trim oak trees?
view the full question and answer
Where to plant the Texas Olive tree?
November 11, 2009 - I need to know where to plant the Texas Olive Tree, and what kind of care is required, such as watering, pruning, fertilization.
view the full question and answer
Brown circular ring in trimmed branches of redbud tree
January 22, 2009 - I have a redbud tree that was recently trimed back. When looking at the cross section of the branches, I noticed a brown circular ring. Is this a problem and if so what can I do to correct it?
view the full question and answer
How to tell the girls from the boys in wax myrtles (Morella cerifera)
May 14, 2010 - How would I be able to identify whether my wax myrtles are male or female plants? I was given two plants last fall (that came from a family members back yard) and the person who gave them to me didn'...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |