Non blooming madrona

by Sue
(Deming, Wa. USA)

I have had my tree for several years. We live in NW Washington State. About 20 miles from salt water. It has done well and grown to about 12 feet. It has never bloomed and I am wondering why not. It's leaves do turn black and hang on in the spring while the new growth is coming on. We try to get most of them off. This year seems they are worse. I have read on your site about disease and I'm hoping this is not the case here. I was so glad to find your site :)

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Ron here...

Yes some trees have been hit by disease. As long as new leaves grow there is no problem. It may have to be much bigger before it blossoms. The black leaves will eventually fall by themselves... no need to remove.