The family Cronartiaceae, in the order Uredinales, is a group of fungi commonly known as rust fungi. Members of this family are plant pathogens, primarily infecting conifers and other woody plants, and are notable for their complex life cycles, which often require two different host species to complete. Cronartiaceous rusts produce various spore types, including aeciospores and urediniospores, which facilitate the spread of infection across seasons. These fungi can have significant ecological and economic impacts, as some species cause serious diseases in pine and other forest trees, leading to reduced growth, deformities, or even mortality. By influencing host populations and forest dynamics, Cronartiaceae play a key role in shaping plant communities.