Ash rust, caused by the fungus Puccinia sparganioides, produces orange leaf spots as shown in the photos. In addition, the fungus can cause swelling and distortion in the leaf stems, causing leaves to twist and turn in unusual directions. Ash rust usually is not a serious disease in Kansas and no control is needed. Like the cedar-apple rusts, this fungus also requires an alternate host to complete its lifecycle. The alternate hosts are cordgrass (Spartina spp.) and saltgrass (Distichlis spp.).
Articles reprinted from the K-State Research & Extension Horticulture Newsletter
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