Redbuds, including 'Forest Pansy,' are susceptible to verticillium wilt.Verticillium wilt can afflict maple, redbud, ash and euonymus trees, as well as tomatoes and strawberries. Here's a rundown on how to recognize it and deal with it.
Symptoms:
One side of the plant wilts or dies. In trees, leaves turn yellow or brown then die, followed by the death of entire branches and, eventually, the whole tree. Infected branches may have dark greenish streaks in the sapwood and growth rings. This may be absent in early stages of infection.
Life cycle:
It invades through the roots, and plugs water-conducting vessels in the roots and stems of the plant. The fungus can survive in soil for years.
Control:
• Plant resistant species in any area where a plant died of verticillium wilt. All conifers are resistant, as are birch, sycamore, hawthorn and some dogwoods.
• Prune off and destroy affected limbs.
• Lightly fertilize to stimulate new growth and the plant's defense system. Some mature trees with the disease can be kept alive for years. There are no chemical controls.
-- Homes & Gardens staff
If you want to automatically receive a free daily homes and gardens tip, sign up at OregonLive.com's newsletters subscription site.