This obs. is for the rust fungus. Whatever is causing the witches' broom condition is in the prev obs. The host (I have no clue what it is) is in the obs before that).
Observed on many buckthorn trees but not on surrounding native trees or shrubs.
Nearly every buckthorn tree close to the river in this neighborhood has rust infection.
Growing on Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) all over our woods