tangled, tortured, and beautiful

In a thatch of trailside brush today, two of these branches were sticking out about three feet higher than the tangle below them. They looked like Dr. Seussian, bobbing in the breeze and catching the early-spring sun. I believe this is what they call a witch’s broom gall. And while I didn’t think to inspect the source of the branches amongst all the knotted disorder, I am guessing it is willow because they are prone to these galls, and also because my trail edged a wetland. If you can, expand the image on the gall. It beautiful in it’s own way–a knot of tiny tortured branches and stunted leaves. Ohhh, I know, I am a weirdo. I can find beauty in a willow gall. What can I say?

unidentified branch with a witch’s broom gall (possibly willow)