Question: I'm noticing that all of the spicebush in one of our conservation areas are dying. We're in Lincoln, MA. The …
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Question
I'm noticing that all of the spicebush in one of our conservation areas are dying. We're in Lincoln, MA. The sweet-pepperbush and other ferns and shrubs (including poison sumac) in the same area seems to be fine so I'm thinking it's not the dry summer. The leaves shriveled up and brown and then it re-sprouts at the base but even those leaves quickly turn brown. It is affecting virtually every single bush. Is there a known pathogen that attacks spicebush? It's quite shocking.
Answer
Dear AWilkins, in the south they are having serious problems with the ambrosia beetle (Xyleborus glabratus) and associated fungus Raffaelea lauricola which causes "laurel wilt". This is known from the southeastern US, but there could be similar items at work in the northeast. Have you seen any signs of beetle activity (like holes in the wood or sawdust from beetle activity)? Thanks for supplying this observation.
