Overview

Hypoxylon Canker is a fatal fungal disease that primarily affects aspen trees stressed by drought. The fungus invades the sapwood and eventually girdles branches or the entire trunk.

Signs & Symptoms

  • Yellowing or sparse foliage
  • Branch dieback
  • Loose, peeling bark
  • Gray to brown fungal mat under bark
  • Black, crusty fungal fruiting bodies on dead bark

Management

No cure exists for Hypoxylon Canker. Prevention through adequate watering during drought is critical. Infected trees should be removed to prevent spread and safety hazards.