Question
I was given 2 wild growing Magnolia seedlings. They seem to be doing well other than numerous leaves turning black. Is this some form of fungal growth or what. I live in Eastern North Carolina

Answer
Sounds like soot ,old. If the black will wipe off then this is a fungus that is growing on the leaf surface. The problem comes from aphids. This insect sucks the plant juice from the plant and secretes a substance called honeydew. This is high in sugar content and the fungus will grow on the honeydew. To control the black you need to control the aphids. Check with your local nursery/garden type store for a systemic insecticide for aphids. The black will ash off with the rainfall after the aphids have been controlled.