October EcoQuest

FALLING FOR GALLS

Galls are abnormal, vegetative growths that develop on various plant parts in reaction to the stimulus of insects, mites, fungi, or nematodes. Specific gall formers can be identified by the unique shape, color, and structure of the gall that develops, and the specific host plant the gall is found on. Oaks are particularly susceptible to galls, hosting over 500 gall-forming organisms. Although gall formers have a parasitic relationship with the plants they utilize, galls are not typically detrimental to their host.

EcoFlora challenges you to take a closer look at some of your favorite plants (especially oaks!) and see if you can find any signs of galls.

Lost on how to identify a gall? Check out these gall identification tools below to help you become a gall expert!

gallformers.org

iNaturalist Gall ID Guide

Ohio State University Extension