Hypericum: Rust

Biology

Hypericum rust in Washington is caused by a rust fungus that does not have an alternate host. Yellow, red, or brown spots are observed on leaf surfaces. In spring and early summer, powdery orange spores are produced from fruiting bodies on the lower leaf surface. Later, in fall and early winter, tissue on the lower leaf surface becomes necrotic where infected, though orange sporulation may still be observed.

Management Options

Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful plant problem management.

Non-chemical Management

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

• Remove infected leaves and leaf litter in the planting site. This may require mowing severely infected plantings, raking all leaves, and destroying infected leaf litter.
• Avoid overhead watering in the evening.

Chemical Management

IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.

• None recommended

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