Gymnosporangium confusum

The rust fungus Gymnosporangium confusum produces pronounced growths (telial fruit-bodies) on the live wood of cultivated Juniper species such as Juniperus sabinae. These growths are dark brown when dry but swell and become lighter and more orange-coloured when wet. 

The alternate aecial stage is on Hawthorn and other woody species in the Rosaceae family; see species gallery page for Gymnosporangium genus.

Very similar to Gymnosporangium clavariiforme on Wild Juniper (Juniperus communis); the aecial stages on Hawthorn etc. cannot be distinguished from field photos. 

host

Photograph the rust on the host.  Ensure you have noted the host-plant species in your comments - you must identify the host plant for the telial stage on Juniper

Alternates between some cultivated Juniper species and shrubs or trees in the Rosaceae - e.g Hawthorn and Pear

Rare or rarely recorded in Leicestershire and Rutland