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Silver leaf

Silver leaf is caused by the purple lichen fungus that gives the leaves of prunus species the characteristic silvery sheen when damaged.

recognize Purple lichen fungus
Purple lichen fungus, photo: Strobilomyces - CC BY-SA 3.0

Silver leaf (Chondrostereum purpureum). Purple lichen fungus that gives the leaves of prunus species the characteristic silvery sheen when damaged. The fungus proliferates in the perennial wood. Eventually, bracket-shaped fungi form on the trunk.
The spores of the purple lichen are dispersed in winter and early spring in moist and cool weather. The spores enter the tree through pruning cuts and leaf scars, A month after infection, the leaves take on the characteristic silverly sheen. The fungus spreads in the bark, from which the mushrooms also arise. The tree dies an average of three years after infection.

Where to find

Control

Prune affected branches and – if possible – burn them. Prune well into the healthy wood. Prune immediately after harvest. Sealing pruning cuts. Tool cleaning.

Prevention

Prevention not really possible; uproot affected trees in the area.