BRUNSWICK, ME - SEPTEMBER 24: Dried turkish bay leaves in one glass, left, and fresh bay laurel leaf from Christine Burns Rudaleviges tree on Thursday, September 24, 2020.

This disease infects trees in the laurel family (Lauraceae). This non-native pest was first discovered in Georgia in 2002 and then in 2005, it made its way to Duval County Florida.

The trees are drought-hardy, able to withstand the long, hot, and dry summer months. The beautiful and fragrant flowers of the mountain laurel only bloom for a couple of weeks in February and March.