Ceanothus problem

lesley_b_linux · May 2021

This Ceanothus is quite old. And last year it started developing an unsightly thing. I have no other words to describe it. All over the smaller branches.
The rest if the tree is blooming beautifully but it looks like this problem is spreading.

Can I cut the infected parts out or do I need to condemn the tree? Is it safe to take cuttings from a healthy part of the tree?

K67 · May 2021

It's lichen.
It doesn't hurt the tree but is a sign that your tree is perhaps dying.
Ceanothus arent long lived and arent totally hardy but no reason why you cant take cuttings

JennyJ · May 2021

It's hard to see clearly but I think it's just lichen. It's not harmful and isn't the cause of any problem with the shrub, but it could indicate that the branches that it's colonised were already weak or dying back. Ceanothus isn't a long-lived plant. More info here https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=411,
https://www.notcutts.co.uk/garden-advice/problems-pests/lichens/

lesley_b_linux · May 2021

Thank you so much for your replies. I was worried it was something that would affect other plants. The rest of the tree looks pretty good at the moment. I will try to take cuttings rather than buy a replacement.

Fairygirl · May 2021

Lichen is also a sign of clean air. Nothing to worry about at all. Wonderful stuff. They will often colonise shrubs/trees that are weakened by other factors such as congestion and poor airflow.
However, as already said - Ceanothus can be quite short lived shrubs.
It's hard to see from the photo but, you could remove the parts that look as if they're dead, and keep the part that's thriving. It may give you a few more years of growth.

Phaidra · May 2021

Some fascinating stuff about lichens, if they interest you at all, lesley_b_linux.

https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/nature-and-pollution-what-lichens-tell-us-about-toxic-air.html#:~:text=Two%20main%20air%20pollutants%20that,are%20nitrogen%20and%20sulphur%20dioxide.

https://www.lovethegarden.com/uk-en/article/lichens

Ceanothus problem

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