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Tree Leaf w/ Attached Gall (?) #876477

Asked July 09, 2024, 10:51 AM EDT

A friend in Benzie County was surprised to find 100+ (green) leaves on ground beneath one of her trees. She said they all dropped on the same day. I collected a leaf which, like all the others, had an insect gall (?) at the base of each stem. I will attach a couple photos.

Benzie County Michigan

Expert Response

Hi Jennifer, thanks for the question.

This is the work of the Cabbage Root Aphid!  Okay, it is also known as Cottonwood Petiole Gall Aphid.  It has a rather odd life cycle.  By the time you see the leaf fall from their handywork, the aphids are gone.  They really don't harm the tree. The leaf drop is usually insignificant.  Check out the following links for information on this rather odd aphid:

Cottonwood Galls (sdstate.edu)

stelprdb5351722.pdf (usda.gov)

Cottonwood Gall – Growing With Science Blog

I hope this is helpful.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 10, 2024, 9:08 PM EDT
We appreciate your help!

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On Jul 9, 2024, at 10:51 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:



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YOUR QUESTION #0146395:

Tree Leaf w/ Attached Gall (?)

A friend in Benzie County was surprised to find 100+ (green) leaves on ground beneath one of her trees. She said they all dropped on the same day. I collected a leaf which, like all the others, had an insect gall (?) at the base of each stem. I will attach a couple photos.

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The Question Asker Replied July 11, 2024, 1:17 PM EDT

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