Strange growth on willow

[mimosa25]

Hi

I found this growth on a willow (goat willow i think). The branch is two years old and I pruned it a couple weeks back (january).

Any idea whats caused it? 

Thanks

 

[openspaceman]

Pussy moth cocoon? We really  need an etymologist to answer

[sime42]

Looks like too much spinach to me. 

 

[Mick Dempsey]

1 hour ago, openspaceman said:

Pussy moth cocoon? We really  need an etymologist to answer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Entomologist perchance?

[tree-fancier123]

if you still have the cutting I would suggest trimming it and placing it in a empty jam jar with air holes in lid by puncturing with fork. That way if a creature emerges one day you can look at it and the glass will protect you and it

[Falling Leaves]

It looks to me like vegetative growth produced by the tree itself in response to something, but its appearance isn't like any of the willow galls I've seen illustrated.

[Falling Leaves]

Perhaps a gall caused by a microorganism (bacterium, virus) rather than mite or insect.  Some galls have unknown causes.

[Falling Leaves]

Rhizobium radiobacter – Bacterial Plant Diseases Programme

Crown gall: Causes, Symptoms & Control | RHS Advice

 

 

[Falling Leaves]

and Galls caused by Bacteria, Virus, or unknown causer | NatureSpot

 

[mimosa25]

1 hour ago, Falling Leaves said:

Rhizobium radiobacter – Bacterial Plant Diseases Programme

Crown gall: Causes, Symptoms & Control | RHS Advice

 

 

Yes I think this looks likely. 

Looking closely at it, it definitely seems like a growth from the tree rather than a cocoon or similar