Question
QUESTION: Hi!  I brought my daisy tree inside for the winter (too cold outside in Colorado).  Enough light has been tough and I know some of the growth issues have to do with that.  However, now I have noticed small black raised bumps showing up on the limbs.  I've picked a few off to look inside, but don't see anything of an insect nature.  What are these and should I be worrying about them?

ANSWER: Howdy Marcy,

Coach Dave here and it sounds like you have a Euryops Patio tree. These are prized for their hardiness and resistance to most pest's. My question is whether you have a Euryops bush or not.

Scale is the only pest that best describes those bumps. If you see any of those bumps open, then simply give them a dose of "Miticide" or "Volck oil". These products take 2-3 applications, but are not toxic to the plants as other insecticides.

If you find your tree is not a Euryops or the scale did not die, don't hesitate to contact me ASAP.

Yours Respectfully,

Coach Dave

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks, Dave!  I'm pretty sure I have a Euryops.  I've looked at pictures of all the different plants that can be called daisy trees, and it looks like a euryops.  None of the black bumps have opened, which had me wondering if that is normal for this plant to grow these.  This is my first plant of this kind, and I enjoy it very much.  Since I still can't seem to figure out if these bumps are invader related, should I go ahead and use the miticide or volck oil?

Answer
Dear Marcy,

Howdy again, Now that we know Euryops is our plant I believe I have your culprit identified.
By your description I believe you have "Botrytis Blight." This is a fungus/disease that can become a severe problem during long periods of humid and sunless weather. Soft blotches appear on branches as well as other parts of a plant. This disease can kill young plants and injure older ones. It also produces spores that are carried by the wind. The blight survives the winter in the form of hard black blisters.

To control this menace cut away and remove diseased portions. Move your plant into the sunniest area possible. Next spray every two weeks throughout the growing spring season with: zineb, phaltan, thiram, or other fungicide spray.

Base on your previous post, this is what I believe the "black bumps" are. You can also take a sample to a local arboretum or nursery or Home Depot and I'm sure they can definitely answer this question.

Happy Gardening,

Coach Dave