Fact Sheets

True Fir: Balsam woolly adelgid

True Fir: Balsam woolly adelgid categories: Conifers Ornamentals True Fir True Fir Insects last review date: 2026-01-29 12:43 Balsam woolly adelgid damagePhoto by: R.S. Byther Biology The balsam woolly adelgids feeds on the stems of true firs. White or grayish cotton-like masses, inside which are the purplish-black insects, can be found on the twigs, branches, […]

True Fir: Giant conifer aphids

True Fir: Giant conifer aphids categories: Conifers Ornamentals True Fir True Fir Insects last review date: 2026-01-29 01:00 Giant conifer aphids on pinePhoto by: A.L. Antonelli Biology Giant conifer aphids are large (up to 1⁄5″) and dark brown to black in color. They overwinter as eggs on twigs or branches. Adults and nymphs begin feeding […]

True Fir: Annosus root rot

True Fir: Annosus root rot categories: Conifers Ornamentals True Fir True Fir Diseases last review date: 2026-01-29 12:02 Annosus root rot decayed wood with black flecksPhoto by: B.M. Johnson Biology Annosus root rot is caused by the fungus Heterobasidion annosum. This native soil pathogen is often in large old tree stumps. It can live several […]

True Fir: Armillaria root rot

True Fir: Armillaria root rot categories: Conifers Ornamentals True Fir True Fir Diseases last review date: 2026-01-29 12:13 White fungal mat of Armillaria root rot infecting trunkPhoto by: C.R. Foss Biology Armillaria root rot is a fungal disease transmitted between plants by root contact. Armillaria is often found in newly cleared soils or soils which […]

True Fir: Current-season needle necrosis

True Fir: Current-season needle necrosis categories: Conifers Ornamentals True Fir True Fir Diseases last review date: 2026-01-29 12:49 Current-season needle necrosisPhoto by: R.S. Byther Biology Current-season needle necrosis affects noble fir and grand fir. The cause is unknown but appears to be a cultural problem due to a mineral deficiency. Shortly after growth begins, the […]

True Fir: Flowers

True Fir: Flowers categories: Conifers Ornamentals True Fir True Fir Diseases last review date: 2023-02-07 12:00 Fir flowersPhoto by: R.S. Byther Biology Old, spent flower parts remaining on twigs can be misinterpreted as a disease or insect problem or an unusual growth anomaly. Management Options Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful plant problem management. […]

True Fir: Grovesiella canker

True Fir: Grovesiella canker categories: Conifers Ornamentals True Fir True Fir Diseases last review date: 2026-01-29 01:10 Fir Grovesiella cankerPhoto by: R.S. Byther Biology Grovesiella canker is a fungal disease found mainly on the lower branches and stems of young trees or the lower branches of older trees. Sunken, dead areas develop on one-year-old and […]

True Fir: Interior needle blight

True Fir: Interior needle blight categories: Conifers Ornamentals True Fir True Fir Diseases last review date: 2026-01-29 01:29 Interior needle blightPhoto by: G.A. Chastanger Biology Interior needle blight is found primarily on noble fir in Christmas tree plantings but may also occur in the landscape. While a fungus has been associated with the disease, other […]

True Fir: Needle casts

True Fir: Needle casts categories: Conifers Ornamentals True Fir True Fir Diseases last review date: 2026-01-29 02:11 Fir needle cast symptomsPhoto by: R.S. Byther Biology Needle casts on true fir are caused by several fungi. Infected trees develop brown or straw-colored needles which drop prematurely. Severely infected trees may have only current-season and one-year-old needles. […]

True Fir: Phytophthora root rot

True Fir: Phytophthora root rot categories: Conifers Ornamentals True Fir True Fir Diseases last review date: 2026-01-29 02:20 Phytophthora root rot symptomsPhoto by: R.S. Byther Biology Phytophthora root rot is usually a problem only in areas with poor drainage or where flooding occurs. The fungus attacks the roots, which rot and die. The infection moves […]

True Fir: Rust (Pucciniastrum)

True Fir: Rust (Pucciniastrum) categories: Conifers Ornamentals True Fir Diseases last review date: 2026-01-27 03:21 Fir Pucciniastrum rustPhoto by: R.S. Byther Biology Pucciniastrum rust are fungal diseases. Yellowish spots or blotches appear on the upper side of infected needles. White, tube-like structures are typically found on the underside of last season’s needles in early summer […]

True Fir: Spruce spider mite

True Fir: Spruce spider mite categories: Conifers Ornamentals True Fir True Fir Insects last review date: 2026-01-27 02:44 Spruce spider mite adultPhoto by: A.L. Antonelli Biology The presence of spruce spider mites is indicated by yellow or bronzish stippling beginning near the needle bases. Infestations usually begin on older needles of the lower branches and […]

True Fir: Rust (Uredinopsis)

True Fir: Rust (Uredinopsis) categories: Conifers Ornamentals True Fir True Fir Diseases last review date: 2026-01-27 02:54 Fir Uredinopsis rustPhoto by: R.S. Byther Biology Uredinopsis rust is a fungal disease. Yellowish spots or blotches appear on the upper side of infected needles. A slight discoloration may first be observed on current season needles in fall […]