SafePlants

Eastern Dwarf Mistletoe and Related Species

This page provides information on various dwarf mistletoe species, particularly those found in coastal regions. Dwarf mistletoes are parasitic plants that infect various trees, impacting forest ecosystems.

Considerations for Pets and Children

• Dwarf mistletoe stimulates the production of large twiggy growths ("brooms") on host trees. These growths may be visually interesting, potentially attracting the attention of children and pets.
• As a parasitic plant, dwarf mistletoe interacts closely with its host tree, potentially creating a complex microenvironment that may harbor other organisms or substances.

Scientific Names and Common Names

• Arceuthobium tsugense: Hemlock dwarf mistletoe
• Arceuthobium pusillum: Eastern dwarf mistletoe
• Arceuthobium campylopodum: Coastal dwarf mistletoe (Accepted Name)
• Arceuthobium littorum: Coastal dwarf mistletoe
• Arceuthobium americanum: Lodgepole pine dwarf mistletoe
• Coastal dwarf mistletoe (common name)

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Taxonomic Rank: Species

Distribution and Habitat

• Hemlock dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium tsugense) is common throughout coastal British Columbia forests.
• It is restricted to the range of coastal western hemlock.
• Specifically found in coastal areas of British Columbia, including the southern coast.
• Eastern dwarf mistletoe is found in coastal Maine spruce stands.
• Another subspecies of dwarf mistletoe is found from Haines, Alaska, south through coastal regions.
• Pine dwarf mistletoe extends from the summit of the Coast Range eastward to beyond the provincial boundary and from the international boundary northward.

Ecological Role

• Dwarf mistletoe is a parasitic plant, impacting the health and growth of its host trees.
• Infected trees can cause risks for other forest inhabitants.
• Dwarf mistletoe can increase the spread and the effects of other diseases on tree growth.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Dwarf mistletoes are parasitic flowering plants that grow on stems and branches.
• They stimulate the production of large twiggy growths (brooms) on native spruce.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Dwarf mistletoe infects various host trees, including western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla), white spruce (Picea glauca), gray pine, ponderosa pine, and shore pine.

Further Information

• Discover Life offers a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Arceuthobium littorum.
• ResearchGate features information on the development of dwarf mistletoe infections on western hemlock in coastal Oregon.