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southwestern white pine dwarf mistletoe
Scientific Name: Arceuthobium blumeri
Family: Viscaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Subshrub, Shrub
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Southwestern Dwarf Mistletoe and Related Species
This page provides information on southwestern dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium vaginatum subsp. cryptopodum) and related dwarf mistletoe species that affect various conifers. Dwarf mistletoes are parasitic plants that can cause significant damage to forest ecosystems.
Considerations for Pets and Children
- Dwarf mistletoes are parasites of trees, particularly conifers, and typically grow high up in the tree canopy. There is no explicit mention of toxicity or direct dangers to pets or children in the provided text.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Taxonomic Rank: Species (though subspecies are also mentioned)
- Synonyms/Related Species:
- Southwestern White Pine Dwarf Mistletoe (Arceuthobium blumeri, Arceuthobium californicum)
- Western Dwarf Mistletoe (Arceuthobium campylopodum)
- Limber Pine Dwarf Mistletoe (Arceuthobium cyanocarpum)
- Douglas-fir Dwarf Mistletoe (A. douglasii)
- Common Names:
- Southwestern White Pine Dwarf Mistletoe, White Pine Dwarf Mistletoe
Distribution and Habitat
- Dwarf mistletoes, in general, occur only on conifers in the pine family, particularly in Arizona and Colorado.
- Specific locations mentioned include southwestern Oregon (for Western dwarf mistletoe affecting Jeffrey pine).
- Arceuthobium blumeri extends from southern regions.
- Limber pine dwarf mistletoe impacts regions across northwest Montana, Idaho, Washington, and southern Alberta.
Ecological Role
- Dwarf mistletoes are parasites that infect and damage conifers.
- They can cause witches' brooms, weaken trees, and increase susceptibility to fungal infections, bark beetles, and other pests.
- In mesophytic forests, dwarf mistletoe can lead to selective loss of ponderosa pine.
Morphological Characteristics
- Dwarf mistletoes have aerial shoots.
- Ponderosa pine dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium camylopodum) has shoots that are 3-8 cm tall with fan-like branches.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Dwarf mistletoes affect the health and structure of ponderosa pine forests, influencing bird communities.
- They make trees more susceptible to bark beetle infestations (e.g., mountain pine beetle, Ips species).
- White pine blister rust is also mentioned as co-occurring with dwarf mistletoe infestations.
Further Information
- Mention is made of several publications and resources, including Forest Insect & Disease Leaflet 19 and various research papers (e.g., Bennetts et al., 1996).
- USDA is mentioned as a source.
- Hawksworth's dwarf mistletoe rating (DMR) is referenced.