Title

Anthracnose-caused mortality of flowering dogwood (Cornus florida L.) at the Dean Hills Nature Preserve, Fayette County, Illinois, USA

Abstract

We studied the impact of dogwood anthracnose on a population of flowering dogwood (Cornus florida L.) at Dean Hills Nature Preserve, Fayette County, Illinois. Between July of 1995 and August of 1996 this population showed a 97% increase in individuals infected by dogwood anthracnose. This disease, caused by the fungus Discula destructiva Redlin, infected individuals in all size classes and will probably cause the extirpation of flowering dogwood at this site in the near future. Sampling of the woody understory at this site suggests that the present position of flowering dogwood will probably be assumed by sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.). This study documents the effects of the first confirmed occurrence of this disease in Illinois.

Document Type

Article

Keywords

Cornus florida, Dean Hills, Discula destructiva, Dogwood anthracnose, Flowering dogwood

Publication Date

1-1-1998

Journal Title

Natural Areas Journal

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