I have a mossy type stuff growing on my azaleas, but it's not moss. What is it?

Question

Growth on azalea branches.

Answer 1

maybe something laid eggs.......I would use sevin from the lawn & garden store......read and make sure your plant is on the list and how much mix to make for it............wear old long clothes, hat, goggles, mask .  and try to cut that piece off and put it into a plastic bag & trash it..................this fall use dormant oil and spray that smothers any eggs that will be laid.  also you may use that special fertilizer for them.  Some of the farmers up here but coffee grinds around the plant.  Is it possible that trees overhead are providing too much shade.  Also could be a fungus

Answer 2

there are two likely possibilities.  The most likely is lichen.  If that's the case then it won't hurt the plant but may be a sign that the plant isn't getting the sun exposure that it wants.  The lichen is just growing there but it isn't penetrating the stems or causing any damage.

The second most likely is a fungus.  If that is the case then you need to find out what type and apply the appropriate treatment.  If you're able bring a sample to a good nursery and ask. If you can't bring a sample then bring a high quality close-up photo.