Large spot on Leonard Messel magnolia leaves - Ask Extension
My ~20 year old Leonard Messel magnolia is developing large circular brown spots on its leaves. Most are located in the center of the leaf but some ar...
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Large spot on Leonard Messel magnolia leaves #947525
Asked October 22, 2026, 4:20 PM EDT
My ~20 year old Leonard Messel magnolia is developing large circular brown spots on its leaves. Most are located in the center of the leaf but some are on the edge. Some of the spots on the yellowing leaves have neighboring brown speckles. I don't recall this happening in years past. Can you please help me identify the problem? Is there anything I should do this year or future years to prevent this from happening?
Thank you.
Montgomery County Maryland
Expert Response
Hi,
It is hard to tell what is going on here, but the leaves will be falling off in the next few weeks, and it's not likely a serious issue (nor would any curative treatment be possible anyway this time of year). Once the leaves drop, rake them up and discard them in case it is a fungal or bacterial infection, to help remove any residual spores.
We don't think this symptom is associated with scale, but check the bark on the younger branches for populations of Tuliptree or Magnolia scale.
Monitor the tree when it leafs-out in spring, and just make sure all the usual tree health threats (drought stress, girdling roots) are checked for in the meantime.
Emily
