Bailey's Select Schubert Chokecherry

Description:

The overall health of this tree is concerning. There are holes all over the leaves, and the large majority of them are damaged and curled over. The bark near the bottom of the tree has long dark brown fissures, and there are sections of the trunk that have brown protruding growths. Most of the branches on this tree look healthy overall, with the exception of one branch. This branch has what appears to be an extra thick layer of black bark covering it.

Habitat:

This tree is in the Olds College botanical garden, and it is in a relatively open sunny space. There are two other schubert chokecherries planted around it, and they are all covered with a thick layer of mulch. There is a path running in close proximity to the tree.

Notes:

This tree is most likely being affected by Dibotryon morbosum, also known as black knot fungus. This fungus causes rapid growth of plant cells, distorting and stunting the affected tree, eventually killing it. The spores coming off the observed growth have also most likely caused the damage to the leaves and the bark. The most effective solution to this problem would be to prune the tree at least 10 inches from the affected areas, making sure to sterilize all equipment used to prevent spreading the disease.