Rug Juniper Cedar-Apple Rust: Gelatinous Spore Horns

Mark (Buffalo NY): 20-year-old blue rug junipers with orange gel-like blobs (egg-sized, 2-3 per plant). Never seen before.

Expert Response

Steve: needs photo for confirmation. Has idea but wants visual ID. Requests close-up, review for focus.

Likely Diagnosis

Orange gelatinous blobs on juniper in spring = cedar-apple rust telial horns (spore-producing structures). Alternate host: apple/crabapple. Junipers get gall phase; apples get leaf/fruit spots.

Key Insight

This dramatic spring phenomenon is the rust fungus completing its life cycle. Junipers rarely seriously harmed; apples are the economic concern. Fungicide on junipers not typically warranted.