I not really sure why I find galls of all types so fascinating, but whenever I find one I’m always taking pictures of it. So be forewarned as the season gets under way, you’ll might be seeing more.
The picture above is a horned oak gall on a pin oak and as ugly as it is it is pretty cool and the fact the a tiny a cynipid wasp created it, is amazing.
“Horned galls Callirhytis cornigera, are abnormal growths or swellings comprised of plant tissue found on leaves, twigs, or branches. These deformities are caused by a tiny, non-stinging, wasp which produces a chemical or stimuli inducing the plant to produce large, woody twig galls. Most galls are aesthetically not pretty, but normally cause little damage to tree. However, severe infections may bring about the decline of the tree. Chemical control is seldom suggested for management.
Life cycle
“In early spring a tiny wasp of the cynipidae family emerge from woody stem galls. The females lay eggs on the veins of the oak leaf buds. Male and female wasps emerge from these tiny, blister type galls on the leaf vein about mid summer. Mated females deposit eggs in young oak twigs. The next spring small swellings develop on the twigs and enlarge over the next two or three years. The galls provide protection, food, and shelter for the developing larvae. When the larvae reach maturity, the horned galls developed small spines or horns. An adult wasp emerges from each horn and another life cycle of wasps begins.”
antilandscaper 
Goodness.. . .who wold know?
Oaks have some pretty galls which I hope to post later Thanks for the comments
Are the bits poking out new growth from the oak?
Galls are fascinating. I have a hackberry in the backyard that gets all kinds of weird formations on the leaves.
Thanks , those points sticking out are where the wasps comes out of. I’m glad we share the enjoyment of the weird things in nature
Great idea! Not a usual subject and may get someone else interested and looking for/at them in a different way.
Thanks, I don’t why, but finding these things is more fun than snapping pictures of flowers
We all have our thing. I have a love for the blue sky and its clouds…right now, it is the spring sky. the Japanese refer to this specifically as “haru no sora”.
Fascinating. I had no idea what caused those things. Blessings, Natalie 🙂
Thank you, and blessings to you too.
It reminds me a bit of a stone-age weapon, don’t know why. You are right, these things are kind of ugly but also fascinating at the same time.
It may be ugly, but you have to admit that the fact that a tiny wasp is able to produce this on an oak to raise her young is impressive. Thanks
Definitely looks alien. Thanx for sharing the pic and info.
And thank you
Okay, I’m a-gonna say it: “Ewieeeeee!” Okay, I’ve recovered now. Gag. Er, maybe not.
Goodness, what a freaky thing this gall thingamajigger is! I have never seen one before in my life and didn’t even know such a thing existed! (but then again, I don’t go out much) Although it’s ewie to look at, thanks for takin’ a pic of it anyhow, so I’ll know what it is, if I ever come upon one in a tree. Back home, wasps always make crazy stuff with sand, dirt, and whatever else. But I’ve never seen ’em use twigs and make ’em this huge! Very interesting!
Thanks for the comment, it is the twig itself that the wasp laid its’ egg in.
Wow, I never knew what those were, but I’ve always been drawn to them. Fascinating stuff!
They are cool, and I come across many I don’t have a clue about but enjoy anyway. Thanks for the comment
I had no idea! Thanks for the information.
My pleasure, thank you
I find galls to be very interesting looking but I don’t know much about them.
I think that is what matters, they’re there and not a big fan of chemicals so when I find them I just enjoy. Thanks for the comment
Hi theantilandscaper. From a non gardener. Not an object I could take to. Thank you for liking ‘ Waved!’ Best Wishes. The Foureyed Poet.
Interesting…thanks for the education 🙂
your writing also leads me to more knowledge and quite interesting facts! thank you!
Thanks for stopping by my site today and liking todays post. I am so excited to be given the opportunity to be the featured luminary and appreciate all the support. As I was on your page just now, I found it very interesting and look forward to reading more and seeing more of your photography.
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Have a wonderful evening!
Here in California we have many oak trees. I have seen oak galls but they are smooth, no horns. You have really great looking galls, so interesting.
We also have smooth galls called Apple Oak galls, thanks for the visit
Fascinating!!