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Q&A – What is this? I found it growing on a young oak tree.

Question:
I found this growing on a small young oak tree in my front yard. What is it?

Answer: 
This is a gall caused by a cynipid wasp. The wasp cuts a slit in the bark of the tree to lay eggs. The tree reacts to the chemicals the wasp leaves behind by trying to isolate the damage which forms the gall. The gall also protects the wasp eggs. It is not harmful to the tree long term and you can remove it if you would like. Cynipid wasps are considered beneficial insects.

Related Videos:
Oak Galls

Related Resources:
Understanding Oak Galls
Galls on Oak
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  • Home
  • Watch
    • TV Schedule
    • Full Episodes Online
    • How-to and Informational
    • Questions and Answers
    • This Week in the Garden
    • Garden Notes
  • Garden Topic Collections
    • Apple Trees: How-to and Information
    • Peach Trees: How-to and Information
    • Tomatoes: How-to and Information
    • Square Foot Garden Blog
  • Resources
    • Soil Testing
    • Extension Publications
    • Gardening Resources
    • Blogs
    • Organic Gardening
    • Articles
    • Privacy
  • Guests
  • Contact Us
    • Ask a Gardening Gardening Question
  • Search