Cysts on tree at Kincaid Park

Observation by Mike and Neena Brubaker:

We were hiking along the coastal trail above Kinkaid Beach and came across this young willow or alder tree (?) with these amber, fluid filled cysts. Not sure on the tree species and no idea about the growths. They were squishy like a blister when with a leathery skin.

LEO Editor Comments:**

We are reaching out to LEO Network members who may have an explanation for this event. Just respond in the comments if you have something to share. Thank you!

Comment by Gino Gratziano:

Mike, I can't tell for certain, but I have a good idea of what this likely is. To me this looks like it is likely an invasive chokecherry tree. Using just the bark they look incredibly similar to Alder. I can't see fruit though, and the next best way to tell is looking closely at the leaves. If it is indeed a cherry this looks like the sap that oozes months after an herbicide treatment. Some of the leaves of this tree look to be dead and the tree is generally not looking so healthy. There was a removal effort early in the summer (May or June I think) that treated invasive chokecherry with herbicides in Kincaid park. I do not believe this is an exposure risk for you or the public. We have collected this ooze from some trees I had treated in experimental trials to see if they have any herbicide in them. I have observed alders suffering from causes that aren't herbicide but have leaves dead or dying that make you wonder. So if others think it is something else I would not doubt it. I included Alex in this message. She is an entomologist working in our office that you should feel welcome to add to your contacts.