Rhododendrons Carrying the Fungal Pathogen Causing Sudden Oak Death have been Sold in Indiana.
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources issued an alert that Rhododendrons infested with the fungal pathogen that causes Sudden Oak Death were being sold at some Walmart and Rural King stores in Indiana. Sudden Oak Death fungus is an invasive, tree-killing species.
Areas where the fungus-infected Rhododendrons have been found include Columbus, Noblesville, South Bend, Sullivan, and Tippecanoe. The DNR requests that anyone purchasing Rhododendrons in these locations since mid-April call 1-866-NO-EXOTIC (1-866-663-9684) or the local county extension office at 1-888-EXT-INFO (1-888-398-4636) for instructions.
More information can be found at the DNR website, as well as in articles in the Indy Star – including a description of the signs and symptoms of Sudden Oak Death.