Q&A – Why does my Crape Myrtle have curling leaves?
Question:
We have a crepe myrtle with curly leaves, even the soft new ones. The tree is approximately 6 years old. We planted several at the same time but this is the only one that has curly leaves. It has been this way for several years but it seems to be getting worse. Do you have any suggestions? I don't see any pests in and unlike the others, it did not get the scale last year.
Answer:
The curling leaves are probably caused by lawn chemicals, probably a phenoxy herbicide. Phenoxy herbicides are frequently sprayed on lawns to control broadleaf weeds. When a small amount of this herbicide from careless spraying or drift gets on a plant like crape myrtle it causes this sort of leaf curling. UT Extension Agent Chris Cooper says that when herbicide damaged leaves curl up it is Dicamba, when the leaves curl down it is 2,4-D. Remember that most ornamental plants are broad-leafed and can be affected by phenoxy herbicides.
Related Videos:
Phenoxy Herbicides
Herbicide Basics
Related Resources:
Diagnosing Herbicide Injury on Garden and Landscape Plants
Plant Injury Due to Turfgrass Broadleaf Weed Herbicides
We have a crepe myrtle with curly leaves, even the soft new ones. The tree is approximately 6 years old. We planted several at the same time but this is the only one that has curly leaves. It has been this way for several years but it seems to be getting worse. Do you have any suggestions? I don't see any pests in and unlike the others, it did not get the scale last year.
Answer:
The curling leaves are probably caused by lawn chemicals, probably a phenoxy herbicide. Phenoxy herbicides are frequently sprayed on lawns to control broadleaf weeds. When a small amount of this herbicide from careless spraying or drift gets on a plant like crape myrtle it causes this sort of leaf curling. UT Extension Agent Chris Cooper says that when herbicide damaged leaves curl up it is Dicamba, when the leaves curl down it is 2,4-D. Remember that most ornamental plants are broad-leafed and can be affected by phenoxy herbicides.
Related Videos:
Phenoxy Herbicides
Herbicide Basics
Related Resources:
Diagnosing Herbicide Injury on Garden and Landscape Plants
Plant Injury Due to Turfgrass Broadleaf Weed Herbicides