Why Do Dogwood Tree Leaves Curl?

Healthy dogwood leaves.

The dogwood is a flowering tree that is found throughout the eastern United States. It is popular as an ornamental tree. When the leaves of the dogwood begin to curl it can be a concern for various reasons.

Signs

When dogwood leaves curl, the underside of the leaves can be seen. Instead of the dark green of the top of the leaves, the undersides are white or silver.

Drought

A lack of water during the heat of the summer is a common cause for dogwood leaves to curl.

Leaf Scorch

Leaf scorch is more serious than just normal leaf curling during a drought. The leaves appear dry and have a pronounced cupping shape. This usually means the roots are damaged or covered by impervious materials, or the soil has excessive drainage.

Canker

Canker is a slow-progressing disease of the trunk caused by a fungus. As it progresses, the leaves may become stunted, curled and lighter green than normal or turn red earlier than normal.

Dogwood Twig Borer

The dogwood twig borer is an insect that infests dogwoods. These insects will cause leaves to wilt on infested twigs. Wilting leaves often will curl up. This only occurs in small sections of the tree.

References

• Penn State: Growing the Flowering Dogwood Home and Garden
• Cornell: Flowering Dogwood
• Ohio Department of Natural Resources: Flowering Dogwood