Cryptosphaeria Canker (Snake Canker)
Cryptosphaeria punctata
11 host plants
Last updated
Data Coverage 2 of 6 dimensions
Snake canker creates long, thin cankers that resemble snakes spiraling around tree bark. You see elongated lesions that gradually girdle branches. The fungus causes significant branch dieback and plant decline. Remove infected branches and maintain tree health to prevent problems.
Prune out cankered branches at least six inches below visible symptoms, making cuts into healthy wood. Sterilize your tools between cuts. Canker pathogens typically enter through wounds, so minimize pruning injuries and avoid working on trees when bark is wet. Maintain tree vigor through proper watering and avoid stress from drought or compacted soil, which makes trees more susceptible.
Quick Reference
Causal Agent
Cryptosphaeria punctata
Host Plants
11
Host Plants (11)
Populus alba White Poplar European White Poplar, Silver Poplar Populus angustifolia Narrowleaf Cottonwood, Mountain Cottonwood Populus balsamifera Balsam Poplar Populus canescens Gray Poplar Populus deltoides Eastern Cottonwood Populus fremontii Fremont Cottonwood, Western Cottonwood Populus grandidentata Bigtooth Aspen Populus nigra Black Poplar Populus tremula European Aspen European Trembling Aspen European Quaking Aspen Populus tremuloides Quaking Aspen Populus trichocarpa Black Cottonwood