Cedar Apple Rust

Description:

Alien-esque bright orange balls with tendrils extending from the branches of cedar trees. Extremely visible in wet conditions. In dry conditions, appears as a dark brown dimpled "golf ball" on cedar branches.

Habitat:

Obligate parasite of Eastern Red Cedar trees. Appears where Cedars and Apple trees (including wild crabappple) grow in close proximity. Minimal damage to cedars, causes blemished on apple fruits.

Notes:

Appears all over CT. The closeup photo is from a cedar in my front yard - there are about a half dozen obvious patches, mostly high up in the tree. There is an apple tree directly across the street. The 2nd photo is on on 3 cedar up the road - I have NEVER seen that much rust - it look like they are orange trees! There are wild crab apple all over the surrounding woods. Just amazing looking!