Ok all you TX folk, what's happening to my cassia alata! This tree was planted last year in the spring, didn't freeze back because we had no winter to speak of. I have chopped it back when it was getting to big and the last time I chopped it I found a branch just like this one. I do know that I have some scale in this bed and this is the same tree that I yanked the ugly bag worm off- this is the 2nd or 3rd branch that I have noticed like this.
Another shot
and another shot just in case.
april I don't have this plant, but could it be like a fungus from all the rain? I think I've heard this plant is a toughie, though, don't think you're gonna lose it or anything.
You know I was thinking a fungus. It's been complaining about the water and there is maybe a slight powdery feel to the dead leaves- just not sure if that powdery feel pre existed death or not.
Thanks!
April, remember that one dead leaf is not a big problem.
You are right. I am not too too upset, just wanting to make sure that this big old tree will survive- you and Vos are surely right, they are not fussy and are pretty tough.
Thanks.
If you think it's fungal, trim it off and dispose of it before it spreads! Dip your clippers in a mild bleach solution to keep them from spreading it to something else. Some of those fungal problems are horrible to get rid of once they get going. I've lost every periwinkle I've planted this year to fungus and finally gave up on 5 crepes and had them removed. With all the rain we've had, they're running rampant!
I gave up on periwinkles about 8 years ago. Once they get that fungus, it is in the soil, and every year they will get it again.
April - FWIW, I agree with everyone on this thread. LOL And if it dies - I got lotsa seeds for you! And they grow like a - well, weed....
Ceejay if it dies my "shade" plants will be mad! But not too worry, I have 4 others sitting in pots just looking for good homes!
Thanks for the suggestions on the fungus- probably right.
BTW I read somewhere, years ago- must have been a long time ago because my short term memory is shot- that there is some awful fungus that goes after perwinkles and yes it's in the soil and if you have it you are not supposed to plant periwinkles in that area for something like 3 or 5 years - can't recall exact number but do know that it was odd vs. even number of years. Strange what I remember! I had periwinkles one year but that was when I was not as smart as I am now and I planted them in too much shade, they were leggey and didn't really like the area.
