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. 

You must identify the host plant for the telial stage on Juniper

Gymnosporangium confusum uses garden pear trees as an alternative host but also favours hawthorn.

It appears to be occasional, but widespread in Britain but it is unclear whether it is rather uncommon or just under recorded.

Rare or rarely recorded in Leicestershire and Rutland where there are few records.