Cedar Flagging

Abiotic (natural leaf senescence and stress responses)

17 host plants

Last updated

Data Maturity Structured

This profile synthesizes data from multiple published sources. Expert field review is in progress.

Cedar flagging causes tip dieback on conifer branches, creating a browning or reddened appearance. You notice discolored branch tips that die back, leaving thin, bare branches. The condition may be environmental or disease-related. Prune out affected branches and provide proper tree care.

Additional irrigation may be needed during summer drought. Avoid disturbing soil, and thus roots, near plantings.

Quick Reference

Causal Agent
Abiotic (natural leaf senescence and stress responses)
Host Plants
17
Favorable Conditions
Stress conditions including insufficient water, hot winds, construction damag...

Management

Vulnerability Window

Mid to late summer (browning develops), obvious by early fall. Most foliage drops by winter as plant recovers.

What Triggers Infection

Stress conditions including insufficient water, hot winds, construction damage, poor planting, recent transplant.

Cultural Controls

  • Additional irrigation may be needed during summer drought.
  • Avoid disturbing soil, and thus roots, near plantings.
  • References Maton, C., and Gartner, B.L. 2005.
  • Do gymnosperm needles pull water through the xylem produced in the same year as the needle? American Journal of Botany 92:123-131.
  • Smith, L., Primack, R.B., Zipf, L., Pardo, S., Gallinat, A.S., and Panchen, Z.A. 2019.
  • Leaf longevity in temperate evergreen species is related to phylogeny and leaf size.

Host Plants (17)