Aster yellow
Carol Asked
A neighbor thinks I have aster yellow on my coneflowers. Thoughts? And what am I to do? She said I need to pull and trash them!
The Gardener’s Answer
Hi, Carol: Thank you for sending a reference photo along with your question. Coneflowers (Echinacea) can be affected by Aster Yellows which is a systemic disease spread by leafhoppers as they feed from one plant to the next. Symptoms include stunted or twisted foliage and secondary flower heads. Flowers are typically distorted and are produced in clusters. They also remain green or a much lighter color than normal. The foliage will turn yellow or even red in color. Infected plants should be removed to prevent spread. I do not see any clustered or distorted flowers but there are several green flowers that could indicate that this disease is present. To be certain, you can take a sample to the horticulture agent at the Scott County Cooperative Extension. They will be able to give you a definitive answer or send it off for diagnosis if necessary. The offices are located at Charles Brooking Park, 1130 Cincinnati Rd, Georgetown, KY 40324. The phone number is (502) 863-0984.
Angie Oakley
Kentucky Living-Ask the Gardener
