Silver Leaf
Disease · Commonly affects: Plum trees, Cherry trees, Apricot trees, Peach trees, Nectarine trees, Damson trees, Greengage trees, Almond trees
Silver leaf is a serious fungal disease of plums, cherries and related fruit trees. The fungus enters through wounds, especially pruning cuts, then disrupts water movement and causes a characteristic silvery sheen in leaves. It matters to UK gardeners because branch dieback can progress over several seasons, and infected dead wood produces spores that spread the disease.
How to identify it
Leaves develop an even silvery or lead-grey sheen because air spaces form beneath their surface; the leaf itself is not dusted with powder. The effect is often confined to one branch or section of the tree at first. Growth may be weak and branches can die back. On dead wood, look in autumn and winter for thin purple-brown bracket fungi, often 20-80 mm wide, with pale edges. Confirmed brackets are a strong warning sign.
Damage
The fungus invades woody tissues, reducing the tree's vigour and gradually killing branches. Fruiting becomes sparse, leaves may be smaller and an infected young tree can die. The disease can remain hidden within wood before silvered leaves appear. Bracket fungi on dead branches release spores, creating a risk for nearby susceptible Prunus trees through fresh wounds.
Prevention
Prune plums, cherries and other susceptible stone fruit only in dry summer weather, when wounds heal more readily, rather than during winter. Make clean cuts just outside the branch collar and avoid unnecessary wounding from tools, ties or lawn equipment. Remove dead wood promptly in dry conditions and keep trees healthy with sensible watering, mulching and spacing. Inspect newly bought trees for dieback, and avoid planting susceptible trees close to known infected specimens.
How to manage it
Where silver leaf is suspected, trace the affected branch back to healthy-looking wood and cut well below the damaged area during dry summer weather. Remove prunings, dead branches and any purple brackets from the garden, and dispose of them rather than home composting. Clean pruning tools between trees. If silvering affects the main trunk or several major limbs, removal of the tree may be necessary to limit spore sources; replace it with a less susceptible species.
Silver Leaf: frequently asked questions
How do I identify silver leaf?
Leaves develop an even silvery or lead-grey sheen because air spaces form beneath their surface; the leaf itself is not dusted with powder.
How do I prevent silver leaf?
Prune plums, cherries and other susceptible stone fruit only in dry summer weather, when wounds heal more readily, rather than during winter.
How do I get rid of silver leaf?
Where silver leaf is suspected, trace the affected branch back to healthy-looking wood and cut well below the damaged area during dry summer weather.
General guidance for UK home gardens and allotments, focused on prevention and non-chemical control. For a confirmed diagnosis, the RHS or a local garden centre can help. Page updated 18 Sep 2026.