Sycamore Tarspot - Rhytisma acerinum

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Alternative names
Tarspot Fungus
Description

This fungus causes a raised shiny black spot to appear on the leaves of the host trees.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

Grows on Sycamore and sometimes on other species of Maple.

When to see it

Late Summer until the leaves fall in Autumn.

Life History

The fungus overwinters on fallen leaves. Fresh spores are produced in Spring, these have a sticky coating. The spores attach themselves to the new leaves as they form. The fungus does no lasting harm to its host tree.

UK Status

Very common and widespread in Britain.

VC55 Status

Very common in Leicestershire and Rutland.

  • Alan Semper
    Harby churchyard
    16 November 2011
  • David Nicholls
    Kirby Muxloe Castle
    25 August 2012
  • Graham Calow
    Sapcote, Hinckley Road
    03 August 2020
    on Sycamore
  • Graham Calow
    Sapcote
    26 September 2013
    on Norway Maple
  • David Nicholls
    Ullesthorpe Stewardship Farm
    02 September 2011

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015

UK Map

Species data profile ?

Species profile

Common names
Tar-Spot Fungus, Sycamore Tarspot
Species group:
Fungi
Kingdom:
Fungi
Order:
Rhytismatales
Family:
Rhytismataceae
Records on NatureSpot:
284
First record:
26/10/2008 (Calow, Graham)
Last record:
18/11/2024 (Cooper, Barbara)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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Latest images

Latest records

  • Graham Calow
    Sapcote
    26 October 2008
    On Sycamore
  • David Nicholls
    Change Spinney, Ratby
    17 November 2011
  • David Nicholls
    Croft Hill
    29 September 2011
  • David Nicholls
    Abbey Park
    19 September 2010
  • Barbara Cooper
    Long Clawson churchyard
    02 September 2013