Witches'-broom (Cherry leaf curl)

Taphrina wiesneri

38 host plants · Fungal

Last updated

Data Maturity Baseline

This profile contains verified disease data from extension databases. Regional field notes and expert review are in progress.

Cherry trees (Prunus cerasifera) develop dense, broom-like twig clusters from Taphrina wiesneri infection. Affected branches bear no flowers or fruit, making them conspicuous. Cut out witches'-brooms at least 12 inches below the lowest infected point to remove all fungal tissue. Proper pruning prevents regrowth and further spread.

Management depends on catching it early. Scout susceptible plants regularly and remove affected tissue before the pathogen can spread. Improve growing conditions by addressing drainage, spacing, and irrigation practices. For persistent or severe cases, contact your local Master Gardener program or Extension office for treatment options specific to your host plants.

Quick Reference

Agent Type
fungal
Causal Agent
Taphrina wiesneri
Host Plants
38

Management

Cultural Controls

  • Cut out witches'-brooms at least 12" below lowest infected point.

Host Plants (38)

Betula lenta Sweet Birch, Cherry Birch, Black Birch Malus robusta Cherry, Crabapple Prunus americana Wild Plum American (Red) Plum August Plum, Goose Plum Prunus armeniaca Apricot Prunus avium Sweet Cherry Prunus besseyi Sand Cherry, Western Sand Cherry Prunus blireiana Blireiana Plum Prunus caroliniana Carolina Cherrylaurel American Cherrylaurel Prunus cascade Prunus cascade Prunus cerasifera Cherry, Plum Prunus cistena Purpleleaf Sandcherry Redleaf Sandcherry Cistena Sandcherry Cistena Plum Prunus dream Prunus dream Prunus emarginata Bitter Cherry, Wild Cherry, Quinine Cherry Prunus first Prunus first Prunus fruticosa Steppe Cherry, European Dwarf Ground Cherry, Mongolian Cherry Prunus glandulosa Dwarf Flowering Almond Prunus ilicifolia Hollyleaf Cherry, Holly-leaved Cherry Prunus laurocerasus Cherry, Laurel Prunus lusitanica Portugal Laurel Prunus maackii Amur Chokecherry Amur Cherry, Manchurian Cherry Prunus mume Japanese Apricotc Japanese Flowering Apricot Japanese Flowering Plum Prunus newport Newport Flowering Plum Prunus okame Okame Flowering Cherry Prunus padus European Birdcherry Common Birdcherry Prunus prostrata Rock Cherry, Mountain Cherry Prunus sargentii Sargent Cherry, Sargent's Cherry Prunus serotina Black Cherry, Rum Cherry Prunus serrula Birchbark Cherry, Paperbark Cherry, Tibetan Cherry Prunus serrulata Japanese Flowering Cherry Prunus snow Prunus snow Prunus subcordata Klamath Plum, Sierra Plum, Pacific Plum Prunus subhirtella Higan Cherry Prunus subhirtella var. autumnalis Autumn Flowering Higan Cherry Prunus tai Prunus tai Prunus virginiana Prunus virginiana Prunus virginiana var. demissa Western Chokecherry Prunus virginiana var. virginiana Common Chokecherry, Eastern Chokecherry Prunus yedoensis Yoshino Cherry, Somei-yoshino Cherry, Tokyo Cherry