Cedar Apple Rust Is A Fungus That Needs Two Plants To Continue Its Lifecycle

Cedar apple rust is a fungal disease that spends part of its life cycle on Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) and the other part on hawthorns and other plants in the Rosaceae family. This disease can be alarming to see when symptoms occur, but it can be managed.

Signs And Symptoms Of Cedar Apple Rust

There are several varieties of rust diseases that present differently based on the tree it is infecting. For cedar apple rust, on eastern red cedars and other junipers (where the disease is most common), round, woody galls can be found on twigs and small branches. These can grow up to 2 inches in diameter and produces orange, jelly-like tendrils in the spring. These can shrivel and rehydrate several times in the spring.

Managing And Preventing Cedar Apple Rust

Managing cedar apple rust on your property can be difficult since eastern red cedar, juniper, and other susceptible Rosaceae trees that are planted within close proximity allow the disease lifecycle to persist.

Choosing plants resistant to the disease is a great way to reduce its spread. However, established trees that are susceptible to the disease may need careful intervention to be managed.

Contact your ISA Certified Arborist to develop a treatment regimen that best suits your needs.