Phyllactinia betulae

Description

A powdery mildew affecting birch (Betula). The chasmothecia and are produced on the mycelium on the underside of the leaf, visible as minute spheres later in the season.  These are yellow or brown when developing and black when mature.  The chasmothecial appendages are bulbous at the base, straight and entire.

Similar Species

Erysiphe ornata var. europaea is also present on Birch; the chasmothecial appendages are branched at the tip and not swollen at the base,  Other Phyllactinia species are on other host plants.

Identification difficulty

host/microscopy

Recording advice

Photograph the mildew and chasmothecia on host plant, and add host species to the comments for your record.  Microscopic examination or verification by an expert before submission to NatureSpot will be needed

Habitat

on Birch

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Species profile

Species group:
fungus
Kingdom:
Fungi
Order:
Helotiales
Family:
Erysiphaceae
Records on NatureSpot:
3
First record:
08/11/2021 (lemmon, roy)
Last record:
29/10/2025 (Timms, Sue)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

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