Cedar-Hawthorn Rust

Description:

This fungus infects several species of tree. Seen here, orange/brown spots on the topside of the leaf. Underneath, brown spindly growths called aecia. These are at the end of their cycle and have become hard. This species requires two different host plants and 24 months to complete it's whole life cycle.

Habitat:

Whirlpool State Park, Niagara Falls, New York. Found on the leaves of a Brainerd's Hawthorn (Crataegus brainerdii) growing "cliffside" to the Niagara River.

Notes:

First time I have seen these interesting growths!