Black Knot Fungus

This gnarly looking fungus affects local plums, chokecherries, and other shrubs. It is most noticeable during the fall and winter months when the leaves are gone and it stands out like "poop-on-a-stick" - which is it's common name! These were on some roadside shrubs near Balmer Park.

The hard, black, finger-length galls take a cycle of several years to appear. In addition, black knot fungus can sometimes affect the fruit, which appear to have muddy black dust in their flesh. Affected branches & twigs should be removed, and further damage can be prevented with an application of fungicide during the dormant season.