Odd new growth on hawthorn.

[MrHairy]

Noticed this odd new growth on a patch of my hawthorn hedge.

 

I cut this part of the hedge back to about half it's height, from about 6' to 3' early this year, as it was very thin at the bottom and I wanted to let more light in to encourage new growth. It seemed to work as there is plenty of new growth, but the new growth on some of the hawthorns is abnormal.

My first thought was fasciation, but I'm not convinced.

 

Hoping someone here has some ideas. I can take more pics if needed.

 

 

[MrHairy]

I just found a small larva inside, and have now identified the cause as Hawthorn Button Top Gall Midge. Pests and Deseases: show

 

Apparently it's quite common, first time I've seen it.

 

I'll give it a cut tomorrow and have a bonfire, that should get rid of them

Edited June 25, 2014 by MrHairy

[treeseer]

 

Our work is done!

[MrHairy]

I searched the internet for ages before posting here, then I found the 'show us your galls' thread, which made me have a closer look