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fir dwarf mistletoe
Scientific Name: Arceuthobium abietinum
Family: Viscaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Subshrub, Shrub
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Douglas-fir Dwarf Mistletoe
Douglas-fir dwarf mistletoe, scientifically known as Arceuthobium douglasii, is a parasitic plant primarily affecting Douglas-fir trees. It is also known simply as Douglas-fir dwarf mistletoe.
Considerations for Pets and Children
- This mistletoe produces small aerial shoots and basal cups.
- It induces the formation of witches' brooms on infected trees, which can alter the branch architecture.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Arceuthobium douglasii Engelm.
- Family: The text indicates Arceuthobium is a genus.
- Other species mentioned: Arceuthobium abietinum f.sp. concoloris (White fir dwarf mistletoe), Arceuthobium abietinum f.sp magnificae (Red fir dwarf mistletoe), Arceuthobium americanum (Lodgepole pine dwarf mistletoe), Arceuthobium spp.
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to western North America, ranging from British Columbia to Texas.
- Common in Colorado forests.
- The northernmost occurrence is near Sicamous, British Columbia.
- Also found in the Intermountain West and the Wind River Experimental Forest.
Ecological Role
- Arceuthobium douglasii is a destructive parasite of Douglas-fir trees.
- It is a primary disease agent affecting Douglas-fir.
- It causes significant losses in many stands of trees.
- Infections lead to branch swelling, reduced growth, dieback, and abnormal proliferation of branches.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Parasitic flowering plant that grows on stems and branches of living conifers.
- Depends almost entirely on its host for support, water, and nutrients.
- Induces the formation of witches' brooms on infected trees.
- Causes branch swelling, reduced growth, and dieback.
- Features small aerial shoots and basal cups.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Parasitizes Douglas-fir, ponderosa pine, lodgepole pine, western larch, and hemlock.
- Witches' brooms formed by the mistletoe provide shelter for insects, birds, and mammals.
Further Information
- Contact "The Tree Line" at 204-945-7866 or Toll Free 1-800-214-6497, or write to Manitoba Conservation for more information on dwarf mistletoe of conifers.
- Refer to the 6-Class Dwarf Mistletoe Rating System (DMR) for assessing the severity of infection.