INDIANA – Boxwood blight is a fatal plant pathogen on the landscape and commercial industry boxwoods.
“DNR Nursery inspectors have discovered infected holiday greenery at garden centers around the state in past years, but no boxwood blight has been identified in 2023. The Division is asking the public to help look for symptoms of this disease during the holiday season.” Â
Symptoms of infected boxwood leaves include dark-brown leaf spots with a tan center. Eventually, leaves turn brown from the tip down and drop from the stem, causing multiple bare branches. Long, thin, black streaks can also be seen on infected stems.
Help stop the spread. If you notice symptoms on boxwoods used in holiday decorations or your home plantings, contact the DNR Division of Entomology & Plant Pathology at 1-866-NO-EXOTIC or email a photo to DEPP@dnr.IN.gov.
