Wooly Apple Aphid

/Wooly Apple Aphid/

Wooly Apple Aphid

Adult woolly apple aphids (Eriosoma lanigerum) are tiny, reddish to purple insects that are completely covered with a thick, woolly white wax. They feed on roots, trunks, limbs and shoots, producing galls at the site of the infestation. Heavy infestations on roots or above-ground portions of the tree can stunt growth and even kill young trees. Colonies on the roots cause the most damage in general, and are next to impossible to treat. Because the woolly apple aphids are somewhat protected by their waxy covering, regular spray programs may not provide adequate control. High volume applications of recommended insecticides may be necessary to penetrate the wax.
- See the fact sheet from Utah State Univ. at http://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/factsheet/aphids-apple.pdf

By | 2016-03-29T13:10:04-07:00 March 29th, 2016|Plant Pests|0 Comments
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Leaf Blight

Not positive, but it looks like a leaf blight on your plant. This is often a windborne disease, more likely to be a problem in damp, warm, humid weather. Avoid disturbing wet soil and spray the plants with a fungicide labelled for use on Cercis. Always read and follow label instructions when using garden products. And water in the morning (not later in the day - early morning allows the moisture to dry off a bit before evening) at the base of the plant, not overhead to prevent the spread of the disease. Unfortunately if the disease is extensive, it might be best to dispose of the plant in the trash and select a more fungal resistant variety. Here is a link with more info: http://www.forestryimages.org/series/viewseries.cfm?ser=197

By | 2017-09-11T15:49:03-07:00 March 29th, 2016|Plant Diseases|0 Comments
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Common Mallow

Based on the plant size and location and without being able to closely examine a leaf, this appears to be the Common Mallow weed. Here are some characteristics of Common Mallow that can help confirm its identity. Mallow leaves are 3/4 to 1 1/2-in. in diameter and are toothed around the edge. This fast growing weed also has a blossom that is white to pink, with 1/2- to 3/4-in. flowers. Common Mallow can grow 4 in. to 2 ft. tall. It appears to have already spread which is indicative of weed behavior. Reproduction is by seeds, but fragmented stems can root at the nodes if conditions remain sufficiently moist for a long enough period of time. If it is Common Mallow, you're correct in assuming it could take over this flower bed!

By | 2016-03-29T11:47:36-07:00 March 29th, 2016|Weeds|0 Comments
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Davidsons Penstemon

Davidson's Penstemon

Dense mat with creeping woody stems, evergreen. Leaves small, oval, dark green, leathery, hairless. Leaves on flowering stems smaller, bract-like. Flowers 3/4–1 1/2 in. long, blue-lavender to purple, wide tubes usually flattened on the sides, white-woolly hairs on bottom of throat, staminode densely hairy. Var. davidsonii, the only form in California and most of Oregon, has more rounded leaves, large flowers about 1–1 1/2 in. long. Var. menziesii is generally smaller, with leaves broadest at the base, toothed, with short petioles, flowers 1 in. long, blue-violet. Var. praeteritus, endemic on Steens Mountain in southeastern Oregon, is larger, with 1–2 in. flowers, leaves with sharply pointed tips. All prefer rocky, well-drained soils, some sh

By | 2016-03-29T10:53:35-07:00 March 29th, 2016|Perennials|0 Comments
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Catalpa

This appears to be a Catalpa tree, native tree to the eastern and mid areas of the U.S. Catalpa that grows 40-70 feet with a broad crown of large light green leaves. In the spring it bears clusters of large white flowers with purple speckled patterned markings in the flower throats. It is the host for the caterpillars of the catalpa sphinx moth, also known as the Hummingbird Moth, and may do considerable damage when feeding on the leaves, but does little damage to the tree overall and is considered a valuable pollinator of many other plants and flowers. It was often planted nears homesteads in the south for its flowers and to use the caterpillars as fishing bait. There are two catalpas native to the U.S. This is the hardier of the two species.

By | 2016-03-29T09:11:57-07:00 March 29th, 2016|Trees|0 Comments
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Scale Insects On Oleander

This appears to be scale insects (possibly Black Scale, but the photo does not provide enough detail for species ID), which are sap-sucking insects that, as adults, build a "shell" over themselves so that eggs can be laid protected under the adult body until they emerge as tiny little "crawlers" that will then eventually settle down to suck plant sap, build their own "shell" and continue the reproductive cycle. Scale insects in large numbers can be damaging to plants so you'll want to get this ID confirmed by a local garden center, or some other professional source, and inquire about the appropriate control measures. We've included a link about scale and control measures from the UC Davis for your reference as well. http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7408.html

By | 2016-03-29T09:00:53-07:00 March 29th, 2016|Plant Pests|0 Comments
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Seedling Problem

There are several things that might be causing this problem with your arugula seedlings. First, we suspect the seedlings may be drying out too much between waterings. Drying out is easily done if they are still in flats, 6-packs, or other situations where the roots are becoming root-bound/too crowded. Thin out the seedlings so they are not crowded as per instructions on the seed packet It might also be a case of over-fertilizing. At this seedling stage you should be feeding at half strength no more than every other time you water. Also is the container in full sun and does the container have drainage holes. Arugula need full sun and excellent drainage. Finally, seedlings need very well draining commercial and sterile potting soil - not soil from the garden. Hope these tips help you.

By | 2016-03-29T06:35:43-07:00 March 29th, 2016|Annuals|0 Comments
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Bougainvillea Looper

It appears that your plant is under attack by a host specific chewing insect known as the Bougainvillea Looper. This a common pest on bougainvillea in your area. Pick off and dispose of the little critters as you spot them on the plant. One option would be to treat your plant with Bayer Advanced 3-in-1 insect, disease, and mite control. Some organic options include controlling a caterpillar problem with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). It is a bacteria that basically eats the caterpillar from the inside out and works as a contact spray or spray with Spinosad with a 7-10 day residual that should be sprayed in the late afternoon/early evening after the bees have returned to their hives. Once the spray has dried, it is safe for beneficials.

By | 2016-03-29T06:14:40-07:00 March 29th, 2016|Plant Pests|1 Comment
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Silver Spur Flower

Plectranthus argentatus, commonly called silver spurflower, is an upright-spreading, woody-based sub-shrub that is native to Australia. Although its flowers are somewhat showy, this plant is usually grown primarily for its attractive, fuzzy, gray-green foliage. 'Silver Shield' is more compact than the species. It typically grows to 24-30" tall and as wide, and features ovate, pointed, scallop-edged, gray green leaves (to 4" long) covered with a silvery sheen. Leaves are covered with down which gives them a velvety texture. Leaves compliment and contrast well with many types of flowering plants. Upright flower spikes (terminal racemes to 12" long) with tubular bluish-white flowers (each to 1/2" long) bloom in late summer.

By | 2016-03-29T04:12:41-07:00 March 29th, 2016|Perennials|0 Comments
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Citrus Issue

This might be the result of a watering or temperature issue or it might be the beginning of some sort of disease. It is hard to diagnose disease with certainty without lab testing. It does not appear to be a nutrient issue so hold off on fertilizer until you get the other possibilities figured out.
You don't say if you planted it in the ground or in a pot or when it was purchased.
If you purchased it last week, I would immediately notify the place where you bought it, take this leaf and request their assistance. A photo of the whole plant would be helpful also.
If you planted it in the ground, do you know what type of soil that you have? Does it drain quickly or does water just sit? Citrus trees require well draining soil. That is easier to control if it is in a pot.

By | 2016-03-29T03:58:09-07:00 March 29th, 2016|Fruit Plants & Trees|0 Comments
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