In the spring, the fungus produces pinkish spores (in
sporodochia) on infected tissue. During wet weather
Symptoms and Signs
Figure 2: Damage to a mass planting of pachysandra
in summer and fall, buff to orange colored masses of
spores are produced in fruiting structures known as
perithecia. Both spore types cause new infections and
help spread the fungus. They are carried by splashing
or running water or during wet weather. Weak or
injured plant material is much more susceptible than
healthy tissue, so damage may be very severe when
plants have been stressed by excessive sunlight, winter
injury, drought, or insect attack. Spread of the fungus
is also more rapid in dense plantings or where heavy
mulches are used.