Dogwood anthracnose spots are soft and very wet, sometimes with purple borders. Spot anthracnose lesions are numerous and small, and usually are present on dry leaves. They are dark pin-prick type spots, and are often accompanied by purple borders.
Powdery mildew appears like flour or powder on the upper surfaces of the leaves.
Young leaves can be twisted, elongated and leathery due to powdery mildew infection. Older infected leaves have a bronzed or reddish look.