Comments on: Dogwood Sawfly

By: Sue F

Sue F — Fri, 12 Feb 2021 21:28:20 +0000

I had over 35 Red Twig Dogwood Arctic Fire/Cornus stolonoifera ‘Farrow’ that year after year were devastated by sawfly caterpillars. The bushes were in a part shady area so the shrubs really were not happy at the onset. After 7 years of trying to keep up with the infestation, I gave up and removed the shrubs. It was too much for me to handle and would be quite expensive for yearly professional treatments. Truly, the shrubs looked horrible all year except winter. The birds did NOT feed on the caterpillars from what I could tell. I did replant a few shrubs. (I don’t have a sunny spot however). I will now use the diatomaceous earth, insecticidal soap and just picking them off and maybe the few shrubs will thrive. Here’s to hoping and thanks for the helpful information!

By: Jane H.- Indianapolis, IN

Jane H.- Indianapolis, IN — Sun, 30 Aug 2020 15:44:31 +0000

Thank you for the information. I just discovered the worms on my Red Ostier Dogwood. I hope the birds find them soon!!

By: Karen Voorhis

Karen Voorhis — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 03:17:25 +0000

I’m with Tom at the top of the comments. Leave them be and help birds survive.

By: Lars Rasmussen

Lars Rasmussen — Tue, 05 May 2020 12:00:05 +0000

I usually also hand pick off large individuals. If there is a large population of early life cycle young, I sometimes spray with insecticidal soap. -Lars Rasmussen (Assistant Garden Supervisor, Plant Health)

By: Becky Robert

Becky Robert — Mon, 04 May 2020 13:16:31 +0000

In reply to Thomas M Weaver.

This link has good graphics showing what to look for on your plants from eggs to large larvae

https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/2009/8-12/sawfly.html

I hand pick them off.

Josh Coceano
Horticulturist
Scott Arboretum

By: Thomas M Weaver

Thomas M Weaver — Sat, 02 May 2020 15:47:08 +0000

can i spray my dogwood bushes with something natural to protect them from this
caterpillar

By: Mary Tipping

Mary Tipping — Thu, 31 Oct 2019 14:35:52 +0000

In reply to Lucy Birkett.

Lucy,

You are absolutely correct. While this caterpillar can consume foliage rather rapidly, it is some other organism’s “snack” (aka food source).

Mary Tipping
Scott Arboretum Curator & Plant Recorder

By: Lucy Birkett

Lucy Birkett — Tue, 13 Aug 2019 18:25:43 +0000

Please rethink use of this term “pest”. Most birds, and certainly the songbirds, NEED caterpillars to feed their young, and they need a lot of them– hundreds per day, or so i’ve been told. (Thanks to those who pointed to Doug Tallamy’s and other research) Using the word pest for a critter that plays an essential role in the food web, and in the health of our ecological systems, is like using the phrase “bad weather” for rain or snow. Sure, not every gardener may want to encourage these, but why start with how to kill them rather than the other way around, if you feel the need to get rid of them- very different. Also, because of the way they congregate to a few leaves, they can easily be removed and relocated to a wilder space nearby.

By: Erin S

Erin S — Wed, 01 Jul 2015 03:43:01 +0000

are these toxic? i have american toads that would love to snack on them if not toxic. i dont want to feed them these and have the toads die…. my kids would never forgive me!!!!!

By: Becky Robert

Becky Robert — Tue, 23 Sep 2014 13:15:13 +0000

In reply to Becky Patterson.

Your welcome, Becky. Good luck.
Sincerely,
Becky Robert
PR and Volunteer Programs Coordinator
Scott Arboretum