Puccinia poarum

Puccinia poarum

Description

The rust fungus Puccinia poarum galls the leaves of the alternate host, Colt's-foot (Tussilago farfara). The underside of the leaves have thickened areas bearing orange-red aecia and spermogonia. 

The primary host is the meadow-grass, Poa, bearing yellow uredinia mainly on the leaf upperside and brown telia mainly on the underside.

Similar Species

Coleosporium tussilaginis also affects Coltsfoot, but is not a gall-causer

Identification difficulty

Coltsfoot Poa

Recording advice

Photograph the rust and the gall on the host.  If recording on Coltsfoot, photograph both sides of leaf. If recording on Poa grass, microscopic examination will be needed.  Ensure you have noted the host-plant species in your comments

Habitat

Alternating stages between Coltsfoot and a Poa grass

UK Status

Widespread and locally frequent in Britain.

VC55 Status

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Additional images

All NatureSpot records