Recent News

Iowans continue to deal with and recover from the impact of the derecho that swept through the state a year ago this August.

We do not often see leafminers on magnolia, but the Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic received a sample that I suspect is damage is from the magnolia serpentine leafminer moth (Phyllocnistis magnoliella).  

Fritillaria is one of the more unusual spring blooming bulbs in the garden.  This genus has more than 100 species and is a member of the lily family.  With nodding flowers that are either brightly colored, muted or checkered, this group

One of my favorite groundcovers is a plant commonly called barrenwort, bishop’s hat, or fairy wings and is in the genus Epimedium.

Biting black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae) have been abundant in several recent years.  We’ve received our first reports of the season, but it’s too early to know if this will be another “outbreak” year. Stay tuned.

From DeWitt to Council Bluffs, ISU Extension and Outreach Master Gardener volunteers are hosting plant sales across the state this spring.

Have your trees dropped branches that seemingly look healthy? Have you sawdust around the base of your trees? This might be due to feeding by carpenterworm. Carpenterworms can be a serious pest of trees in Iowa.

Insects and diseases can wreak havoc on your landscape plants, gardens and in your woodlands. The damage can be unsightly and can become costly if not properly addressed.

Mushroom season is here, and before you hit the trails and go searching for your favorite specimens, make sure you refresh your memory and understand the risks associated with hunting and consuming wild-harvested mushrooms.

Insects and diseases can wreak havoc on your landscape plants, and in your woodlands. The damage can be unsightly and can become costly if not properly addressed.

Butterflies and pollinators are fundamental to our ecosystem and way of life and just plain fun to see and observe. You can help support these colorful and important insects by selecting the plants they prefer.