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What's Wrong with my Mountain Laurel?

9 years ago

Hi,

We live in San Antonio, Texas and have a large mountain laurel which is around 20 years old. It has always looked good with no major problems, but this summer we noticed that the leaves on a few branches have turned brown/yellow, and that some individual leaves of nearby branches are also turning brown/yellow. I am attaching a picture.

Does anyone have any idea what this could be, and what we could do to treat it / preventing it from spreading further?

Thanks in advance!

Selene

Comments (4)

ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
9 years ago
could it have been hit by a truck ... is it near the street/driveway????

i doubt winter damage ...

pic of the whole plant... and a pic of the affected leaves???

see any scars to the branches???

are you sure on the ID???? ... sometimes common names can baffle us ....

ken
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
9 years ago
Ken, this is most likely a Texas mountain laurel or Calia secundiflora. Very different from what most of us know as mt. laurel, Kalmia latifolia.
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Iris GW
9 years ago
If you suspect insect/disease issue then take a piece to a good nursery or extension office.
Dave in NoVA • N. Virginia • zone 7A
9 years ago
Dermatophyllum secundiflora (aka Calia, aka Sophora) should be perfectly hardy in San Antonio. Doubtful it's dieback from cold.

Are there drainage issues around the root zone?

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