Do you have a flower that shows signs of stunting, yellowing, twisting, distortion of flowers and/or flower petals, or bushy broom-like growth? If so, your plant could be infected with Aster Yellows. This organism is a phytoplasma which is a type of bacteria.

Aster yellows bacteria inhabits the fluids inside the plant. The plant disease is spread plant to plant by a sucking insect called a leaf hopper.

Gardeners should remove and destroy infected plants. Perennials should be scouted regularly for signs of the disease. Although fairly uncommon, the bacteria can be serious in some situations.