The improbable looking but appropriately named Willow Pinecone Galls are now large enough to be very noticeable on their namesake host. As the common name suggests, the galls closely resemble pine cones with closed seed scales. They are produced on willow by the gall-midge Rhabdophaga strobiloides (family Cecidomyiidae), but cause no appreciable harm to the overall health of their willow host. In fact, I believe they add ornamental value!