Costco Warns Buyers of Desert Willow Plants Over Invasive Sharpshooter

Costco announced that desert-willow “Sweet Bubba” plants (Item #25215) sold from June 24 to July 3 2026 may harbor the glassy-winged sharpshooter, a leafhopper that spreads Pierce’s disease. Shoppers are told to keep the plant in its original container, isolate it from other vegetation, and contact their county agricultural commissioner for inspection. The retailer advises sealing the plant in two trash bags and explicitly requests that customers do not return the item to a warehouse, plant it, relocate it, or place it in household trash or compost. Refunds are offered upon presentation of the notification letter.

Costco Tells Customers Not to Return This Plant as Invasive Insect Fears Grow

The glassy-winged sharpshooter thrives in warm, sunny climates and transmits the bacterium *Xylella fastidiosa*, which causes Pierce’s disease. The pest has previously been linked to a May 2026 detection of 63 infested grapevines among 220 shipped to a Costco warehouse in Napa County. Earlier in 2026, Costco recalled staked grape vines sold April 21–May 21 for the same reason. A 2025 report for the California Department of Food and Agriculture estimates Pierce’s disease costs the state’s grape and wine industry about $110 million annually, with potential additional losses of $56 million per year if the sharpshooter becomes statewide.

Costco Tells Customers Not to Return This Plant as Invasive Insect Fears GrowCostco Warns Some Recently Sold Plants May Carry Invasive PestFox Business (website)

Costco’s notice emphasizes that early detection and rapid response are essential to prevent spread. The company apologizes for the inconvenience and stresses that customer cooperation helps protect California agriculture. County agricultural officials are tasked with inspecting reported plants and, if the pest is confirmed, will safely remove and dispose of the plant and may deploy monitoring traps nearby.

Costco Warns Some Recently Sold Plants May Carry Invasive Pest

• Glassy-winged sharpshooter can fly a quarter-mile or more without stopping, complicating containment.

Costco Tells Customers Not to Return This Plant as Invasive Insect Fears Grow

• Pierce’s disease caused nearly $30 million in losses and destroyed more than 1,000 acres of grapevines between 1994 and 2000 (University of California study).

Costco Tells Customers Not to Return This Plant as Invasive Insect Fears Grow

• Current annual industry loss: $110 million; projected increase if pest spreads: $56 million per year.

Fox Business (website)

• “This invasive insect pest can spread harmful plant diseases, including Pierce’s disease, which can kill grapevines,” — Costco notice

Costco Warns Some Recently Sold Plants May Carry Invasive Pest

• “The pest can also damage citrus trees, landscape plants and other crops. Early detection and rapid response are critical to preventing the pest from spreading further.” — Costco notice

Costco Warns Some Recently Sold Plants May Carry Invasive Pest

• “We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused and appreciate your attention and cooperation in this matter,” — Costco notice

Costco Warns Some Recently Sold Plants May Carry Invasive Pest

• “If possible, the company recommends sealing the plant inside two trash bags until inspectors can evaluate it.” — Costco notice

Fox Business (website)