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The Diseased Rhododendrons That Triggered a Federal Plant Hunt
The garden shrubs have been known to spread Sudden Oak Death, and the government is ill-prepared to prevent an outbreak.
Illustration by Julie Benbassat
Every spring, Americans flock to their local box store or nursery looking for ornamental plants something to spruce up their front yard, perhaps, or block out nosy neighbors. Last year’s pandemic lockdowns supercharged this annual ritual, as people with time on their hands, craving distraction from stress and grief, hungered to watch something thrive. Now, as they emerge from a nightmarish winter, Americans again are on their hands and knees, digging holes for their latest haul largely unaware that the plants they buy, on rare occasions, risk fueling an ecological catastrophe.
Invasive Insects and Diseases Are Killing Our Forests
America wasn’t ready for the pandemic. And it isn’t ready for the next contagion to strike our woodlands.
By Gabriel Popkin
Mr. Popkin is an independent journalist who writes about science and the environment. He has written extensively about threats to trees and forests.
Feb. 6, 2021
Larch trees in England infected with sudden oak death, a deadly airborne disease that was first detected in the United States, were felled last month in an effort to halt the disease’s fast-moving spread.Credit.Matt Cardy/Getty Images
It’s not just humans. Trees also suffer plagues.