Fig. 270  Dead foliage on branchlets of western redcedar.

Distribution:  Throughout the range of western redcedar.  

Tree Species Affected:  All ages of western redcedar are susceptible.

Signs & Symptoms:  Isolated branchlets of old foliage scattered over the whole tree have yellow to red, dying or dead foliage. Flagging is a normal condition of western redcedar and is most evident after hot dry summer weather. All of the flagging occurs in the same time period.

Damage: Entire branchlets die, but cedar flagging does not have a detrimental effect on tree growth. 

Similar Damage: Cedar flagging symptoms bear superficial resemblance to cedar leaf blight when the latter occurs in the fall. However, small, black, leaf-blight cavities will not be found in the upper surface of leaves exhibiting cedar flagging. 

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BC Ministry of Forests
Forest Practices Branch
P.O. Box 9513 Stn. Prov. Gov.
Victoria, BC
V8W 9C2

Section phone: (250) 387-8739
Section fax: (250) 387-2136

Last updated March 04, 2002