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July 2, 2008
Cedar-Apple Rust, Gymnosporangium juniperi-virginianae
on the fruit of a Shadbush, Amelanchier canadensis

This orange fungus spends part of its life cycle on a Juniper host and part on a host in the Rose Family (which includes Amelanchiers). It requires both hosts to complete its life cycle. This year all of the Amelanchier trees on the Reservation have been affected. Normally the fruit, when ripe, are shiny, almost black, and a delicious treat for birds, humans, and other animals.
Next year the fungus will jump to the Red Cedars, Juniperus virginiana, causing the same orange growths, and making those berries inedible for birds.