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eastern dwarf mistletoe

Scientific Name: Arceuthobium pusillum

Family: Viscaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Subshrub, Shrub

Duration: Perennial

Other Names: CT (dwarf mistletoe), NJ (dwarf mistletoe), PA (dw

       

Eastern Dwarf Mistletoe (Arceuthobium pusillum)

Arceuthobium pusillum, commonly known as Eastern Dwarf Mistletoe, is a parasitic flowering plant that primarily infects black spruce (Picea mariana), causing significant disease.

Considerations for Pets

  • Eastern Dwarf Mistletoe is a small, fleshy shrub.
  • It stimulates the production of large twiggy growths (brooms) on native spruce.
  • As a seed-bearing plant, it disperses seeds.

Considerations for Children

  • Eastern Dwarf Mistletoe is a small, fleshy shrub, typically less than 1 cm tall.
  • It stimulates the production of large twiggy growths (brooms) on native spruce.
  • As a seed-bearing plant, it disperses seeds.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Arceuthobium pusillum Peck
  • Common Name: Eastern Dwarf Mistletoe
  • Family: Viscaceae

Distribution and Habitat

  • Commonly found in northern Lower Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.
  • Also found in northern Minnesota.
  • Observed in eastern Maine.
  • Found in Saskatchewan.

Ecological Role

  • Eastern Dwarf Mistletoe is an obligate parasite.
  • It's a hemi-parasitic plant, deriving some nutrients through photosynthesis but also taking nutrients from its host.
  • It causes the most serious disease of black spruce.
  • Infections can lead to die-off in the host tree.

Morphological Characteristics

  • The shortest dwarf mistletoe shoots in the Americas, with shoots about 1 cm tall.
  • Very small fleshy shrub.
  • Has 2 to 5 parted flowers, with males flowers on one plant, and female flowers on another.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Primarily attacks black spruce (Picea mariana), but also infects white and red spruce.
  • The genus Arceuthobium parasitizes members of Pinaceae.
  • Stimulates the production of large twiggy growths (brooms) on native spruce.
  • Eastern dwarf mistletoe infection can modify host hormone contents.

Further Information

  • U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service Forest Insect and Disease Leaflet 158.