Global Tree Disease Began in California

Cypress trees are dying in Tuscany.

Blame California.

A deadly fungus that has felled up to 95 percent of the cypress trees in forests and timber plantations around the world originated in California, according to the Bay Citizen.



Researchers have traced the fungus, Seiridum, to the Monterey cypresses which dot coastal areas in California, and are prevalent in Golden Gate Park and the Presidio.

The trees are native to the area, but about 100 years ago, the wide-canopied trees were planted in the Central Valley and in Europe, where they brought the fungus with them. Trees not infected became susceptible to infection, the Bay Citizen reported, and the fungus spread to other cypresses.

The disease is attacking cypress trees on all six continents were trees can grow (you are safe in Antarctica). Climate change is also helping the fungus along, the Bay Citizen reported: changes in temperatures can weaken trees, making them more susceptible to the disease, which in turn ensures the disease spreads.

This means there could soon be no shade under that Tuscan sun.