READER QUESTION

SOME of my winter aconites have developed nasty symptoms. The stems have split and are producing a dark powdery material.

K. Preston. ACONITES, though usually disease-free, can succumb to Aconite Smut. This is caused by the fungus

Urocystis eranthidis and is easy to diagnose. At first, the leaves turn yellow or develop small, dark stains. Later, the plant stems split and become coated with black, powdery spores. There is no cure for Aconite Smut, but it’s important to prevent its spread. If you find any infected plants, dig them up immediately and destroy them. After touching infected plants, take care not to handle other aconites until you’ve cleaned up. Removing infected plants should prevent spread of this lethal disease.