Recent News

Iowa State Fair Weed Identification Contest

Test your weed ID skills at the Iowa State Fair on August 12, 2022!

Updated Emerald Ash Borer Information

Emerald ash borer is now in all but 7 of Iowa’s 99 counties.  As it spreads across Iowa, the impact is felt differently depending on if your community has just been reported infested or has been infested for many years. 

Japanese Beetles are Back in Full Force

Japanese beetles are back in full force, and will be here for a while longer. Read for more information about Japanese beetles and management options.

Walnut Trees Wrapped with Webbing

We have received few (very few) reports of a peculiar phenomenon involving woodland walnut trees in Iowa.  In each case, the walnut tree leaves are gone, and the tree trunks are shrouded with fine webbing.

Summer Pruning Tips for Raspberries, Blackberries, and Brambles

Pollinator Week is June 20-26, 2022

Is My Tree Sick?

At the Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic, we often receive questions from tree enthusiasts: Is my tree sick?

End of an Era in Three Voices

Donald Lewis retires after 45 years as ISU Extension Entomologist.

Bleached Flowers on Lilac

Intense heat during the time of lilac flower development can cause flowers to be pink or white instead or purple.

New Gardening Podcast Now Available

Carpenter Bee Males on Patrol

 Male carpenter bees dive at the heads and faces of homeowners and gardeners, causing concern and frustration, but the males are harmless!

Addressing Issues with Brown Conifers this Spring

Spring 2022 has brought numerous questions and concerns about conifers, especially for those planted last and the year before.  What is going on? 

Resources for Turfgrass Lawns in Iowa

Spots open for 2022 Wild-Harvested Mushrooms Certification Class

Houseplant Pests: Mealybugs

Dealing with mealybugs on your houseplants takes dedication. Learn the best ways to keep them out of your beloved plants.

2022 Wild-Harvested Mushrooms Certification Class

Can a Vegetable Garden Save You Money?

Growing a garden has the potential to reduce the amount of money spent on groceries. But this “potential” depends on the costs involved in growing the crops, types, and amounts of vegetables grown, yields that are derived from the garden, and other factors.

Poetry for Plant-People

Bug beats, plant pest poetry, and haikus are available!

All Hearts

In February heart-shaped gifts are everywhere!  In addition to roses for Valentine’s Day, consider something longer lived for your sweetheart.  Nothing says love more than a plant with heart-shaped leaves, right?  Whether indoors or outdoors, consider the following plants below for Valentine’s Day gifts for your sweetheart – or yourself!

Recording Consumer Horticulture Questions in MyData