The dogwood is one of the most desirable ornamental trees because of its showy inflorescence, attractive foliage, and controlled grwoth habits. Approximately 4,200,000 dogwood trees are grown in Southern nurseries each year. When planted in full sun or on an unfavorable site, dogwoods may be susceptible to a variety of insect pests, most of which cause damage to the trunk and branches of the tree.

KEY TO COMMON AND IMPORTANT DOGWOOD PESTS

1. Dogwood borer -The bark is injured, with fine boring dust on the trunk and branches in late summer.

2. Dogwood clubgall midge -Club- or spindle-shaped galls appear near the grwoing tips of dogwood twigs. Some of the twigs may be dead above the gall, and the tree may be deformed.

3. Dogwood twig borer -Leaves wilt on individual twigs; girdled tips drop.

4. Seedcorn maggot- Dead or dying flies are attached to the twigs.

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