Hawthorn: Leaf spot

• Categories: Hawthorn Hawthorn Diseases Ornamental trees Ornamentals
• Last review date: 2026-05-15 08:57

Biology

Leaf spot is a fungal disease which can infect hawthorn, photinia, pear, pyracantha, crabapple, and related species.

Initial infections are small reddish-brown to grayish spots on the upper or lower leaf surface. The spots may enlarge and coalesce on very susceptible species.

On hawthorn, the spots are followed by yellowing and premature drop of the affected leaves. A “green island” effect can arise when the leaf turns yellow, as the areas around the fungal lesions may remain green.

The disease is favored by wet weather and is easily spread from infected tissues by rain and splashing water. It overwinters mainly on fallen infected leaves.

Succulent new growth is particularly susceptible to infection.

Management Options

See "Using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in the Landscape" for successful problem management techniques.

Non-chemical Management

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

• Plant resistant species such as Crataegus crus-galli (cockspur thorn) and C. phaenopyrum (Washington thorn).
• Avoid overhead watering.
• Space plants and prune to reduce humidity and improve air circulation.
• Pick and destroy infected leaves.
• Collect and destroy leaf debris beneath infected plants.
• Use only moderate amounts of nitrogen to reduce amount of succulent new growth. It may help to switch to a slow-release or low-nitrogen fertilizer.

Chemical Management

• Begin applications at bud break and repeat at 7 to 14 day intervals (14-day intervals ONLY for Spectracide IMMUNOX) until conditions are no longer favorable for disease development.
• Homeowners should not make foliar applications to trees over 10 ft tall.
• Consult a commercial pesticide applicator for treatment of trees and shrubs over 10 ft. tall.

Approved Pesticides

If you choose to use a pesticide, some examples of products that are legal in Washington are listed below. Some products are labeled for just INDOOR or just OUTDOOR use, or may allow both uses. Be sure to choose a product appropriate for your situation. Always read and follow all label directions.

• Bonide Fung-onil Multi-Purpose Fungicide Concentrate
  Active ingredient: chlorothalonil
  EPA registration number: 60063-9-4
• GardenTech Daconil Fungicide Concentrate
  Active ingredient: chlorothalonil
  EPA registration number: 67572-82-71004
• Ortho Max Garden Disease Control Concentrate
  Active ingredient: chlorothalonil
  EPA registration number: 239-2522
• Spectracide IMMUNOX Multi-Purpose Fungicide Spray Concentrate
  Active ingredient: myclobutanil
  EPA registration number: 9688-123-8845
• This list may not include all products registered for this use.