Oak root rot on California pepper??

[Anonymous]

We have a California pepper, anout 40 years old, that was shaded by some pines. We cut down the pines, and the pepper now looks like it is dying. We thought it was in shock from increased sun, but I recently saw a photo of the fungus that indicates oak root rot, and have seen that fungus or a similar one on our pepper over the winter. Can pepper get this rot? if so,what should I do?Dan</p>

[Anonymous]

Your county agricultural extension service should have a list of those ornamental plants that are susceptible to oak root fungus.

CNPS would not have information on the pepper tree, since despite its common name, it is not native to California. Either the local ag cooperative extension people or Master Gardeners should be able to provide assistance.

Lori</p>

[Anonymous]

Well, John Hetzner thinks you might have an Umbellularia californica, sometimes called pepperwood, though I haven't heard it called just 'pepper' before.

It is in the laurel family and has long, deep green, highly aromatic leaves.

You should probably get a tree pathologist to look at it, if you can afford to do so. Otherwise, try to get someone from your county cooperative ag extension service to come out and have a look. John is right, this could be serious!

Wishing you luck,

Lori</p>