Black Tar Spot

Rhytisma acerinum is a plant pathogen that commonly affects sycamores and maples in late summer and autumn, causing tar spot. Tar spot does not usually have an adverse effect on the trees' long-term health. R. acerinum is an Ascomycete fungus that locally infects the leaves of trees and is a biotrophic parasite. The disease is cosmetic and is therefore usually controlled only with sanitation methods.

From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Is it poisonous?

We have no record of Black Tar Spot being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.

Easily confused with

• Rhytisma americanum
• Cristulariella depraedans

Classification

Kingdom

Fungi

Phylum

Ascomycota

Class

Leotiomycetes

Order

Rhytismatales

Family

Rhytismataceae

Genus

Rhytisma

Species

Rhytisma acerinum

More species