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Boxwood blight is a fungal disease that can cause the leaves of boxwood plants to fall off prematurely. ARS scientists in Fort Dietrick, MD, are studying how boxwood blight evolves and are working closely with the floriculture and nursey industry to develop methods for testing, controlling, and mitigating the disease.

This concise publication gives useful information for homeowners, master gardeners, and professional landscapers about the boxwood blight disease: its symptoms, sanitation measures when it is discovered on a property, and preventive measures.

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Boxwood blight (Calonectria pseudonaviculata, BB) kills plants in the family Buxaceae, including boxwoods, pachysandra, and Sarcococca. It was first detected in the U.S. in 2011, and many states have implemented requirements for boxwoods to have been grown in a certified “clean boxwood” program to ship into their state. When this disease is found in New Hampshire nurseries, infected plants are required to be destroyed. BB has been rarely found in managed boxwood plantations in the state. Care is recommended when introducing new boxwood plants into existing plantations as the disease can be latent and difficult to detect. The Horticultural Research Institute has best management practices guidelines for production and landscape managers.

See also: Extension Publications for more resources

See also: Plant Disease Watch List for more resources

See also: Plant Pathology Extension Publications for more resources

Boxwood blight was first discovered in the United Kingdom in 1994; its origin is unknown. Boxwood blight was detected in the U.S. in 2011 and the means of introduction is unknown. It is a fungal disease of boxwood plants, which are widely used as landscape ornamentals.