Cottony camellia scale (Pulvinaria floccifera), also called cottony taxus scale, is a non-native type of soft scale insect that can be difficult to manage as their waxy body covering shields them from predators and certain pesticides. Learn more about scale insect groups and biology on our Introduction to Scale Insects page.
Cottony camellia scale is a common pest of camellia, yew, holly, and several other trees and shrubs. Heavy infestations can cause leaf yellowing. The impacts of honeydew production and the resulting growth of sooty mold will range from being an aesthetic nuisance to suppressing plant growth. Target monitoring and control efforts to the vulnerable crawler stage.