Looks like soot

[Las Vegas]

I have 3 plants (next to each other) in my garden that look like some of the leaves are covered in soot. It won't rub off. What is it?

[Clanad]

You don't say what kind of plants they are, but I would guess mildew or mold...

[Las Vegas]

Is mildew black? One plant is a camillia, one a hollu bush and the other is a flowering bbush(can't remember the name) but it only has it on the bark.

[Clanad]

Here's pictures of Black spot on roses, very similar to what you can experience of camillias... the article suggest sulphur compounds to combat the malady. We've had good luck with a product called Dormant Oil which you mix with water and spray on the plants... very smelly, but works great!
http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/hort iculture/DG1163.html

[Las Vegas]

Thanks for taking the trouble to show everything. Unfortunately, it does not resemble blackspot nor does it cause the leaves to drop. IOt truly looks like someone has spread soot on some of the leaves. Maybe a form of mildew?

[Clanad]

OK... more like this? http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/howtos/ht_so oty/ht_sooty.htm
Problem sounds more like Sooty Mold (unique concept, no?)

A thorough discussion of the treatment of the aphids causing the problem is contained here:
http://www.mdvaden.com/aphids.shtml
Best of Luck!

[Las Vegas]

I think that you've done it. Sooty mold looks about right. As to trying the home made solution, I think that I will try my local garden center first to see what delights they can come up with to ride my plants of this dreaded lurge.
Thanks for all the effort.