Sudden Oak Death
Phytophthora ramorum on Quercus agrifolia
Acrylic on Paper
March 2005
Recently, researchers found that Sudden Oak Death is caused by a water mold, Phytophthora ramorum. With bleeding sores and die-back on the leaves, the mold eventually causes the tree to wither and die. While it is can affect a variety of plants, it is especially a problem for California's native oaks.