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Birch tree broomsticks

Lily PillyLily Pilly Posts: 3,845
in Problem solving
We are fortunate to have several type of birch in the garden, these are our tallest and thrive in the wood.  The clusters we have always called “witches broomsticks”. Can anyone tell me the botanical name, do they do any damage? Is it some kind of fungus affecting the tree and finally should the be removed or can we still imagine witches flying through!
Weeds are flowers, too, once you get to know them.”
A A Milne
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  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,445
    Taphrina betulina is the cause of that
    and yes, the witches are flying.
    Taphrinas are fungi but it's not a fungus you see there, it's a gall caused by a fungus.
    All part pf life's rich tapestry


    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Think they’re a type of gall caused by a gall wasp laying its eggs, like Robin’s Pincushions on roses and Oakapples on oaks. 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Yes .. more info if you scroll down here https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/blog/2018/07/galls-to-spot-this-year/
     :) 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,445
    So anything messing up the growth can form the gall


    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • Lily PillyLily Pilly Posts: 3,845
    Thank you. Very interesting. We shall just carry on imagining the witches
    we have fairies living in here!

    Weeds are flowers, too, once you get to know them.”
    A A Milne
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Of course you do 🧚‍♂️ 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Lily PillyLily Pilly Posts: 3,845
    They have left for the winter sensible souls. Will be back in the Spring
    Weeds are flowers, too, once you get to know them.”
    A A Milne
  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,445
    that all looks wonderful LP :) 



    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    That's my holiday home LP. I normally live here beside the pond


    Lovely little bit of woodland you have LP. Lucky witches and fairies  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Lily PillyLily Pilly Posts: 3,845
    Ah Fairy yours look like pretty upmarket residences!
    Weeds are flowers, too, once you get to know them.”
    A A Milne
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