The expanding leaf buds are deformed into a subglobose mass which may be 3-3.5 cm. in diameter. In this gall, the undeveloped stem of the bud is greatly enlarged and the individual leaves of the bud are greatly thickened and deformed . . .

E. symploci ... This fungus attacks the developing leaf buds of Symplocos tinctoria and deforms them into a lobed mass. In fruiting, the hyphae protrude on the surface of the mass and bear acicular, simple, colorless, slightly curved conidia, ranging from about 7X1 𝛍 upward

- Edward Angus Burt: (1915) The Thelephoraceae of North America^©

Reference: https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/64440#page/135/mode/1up