You work hard to keep your trees vibrant and healthy. However, a number of pests make this task difficult. Insects and rodents can eat away at your trees and eventually kill them. Your trees also face a less obvious threat from other plants. Browse this list of parasitic plant species and watch your trees carefully so you can defeat these parasites as soon as they appear.
1. Dwarf Mistletoe
Appearance
North America hosts several mistletoe species, but one of the most common is dwarf mistletoe. It grows off of tree branches and looks almost like an aerial root or a woody coral, depending on the species. It develops swollen seed modules on its tips and at its nodes. Its colors also range from yellow to bright green, though it is almost always a different color than the needles on the conifer.
Effect on Host Trees
Dwarf mistletoe cannot perform photosynthesis by itself. It uses a root-like structure called a haustorium (plural: haustoria) to grow into a tree’s vascular tissues and leech off of the nutrients the tree gathers for itself. The entire tree, or at least the infected branch, can weaken and become sickly as a result, which makes the conifer more vulnerable to additional pests.
This plant parasite can prove especially concerning for homeowners because it doesn’t need plant or animal interference to spread. Its swollen seed modules can project seeds to nearby trees when they burst. Take care of the mistletoe infestation before the seeds have time to spread.
2. California, Golden, or Salt Marsh Dodder
Appearance
Different species of dodder grow in trees and around shrubs all over the world. California, golden, and salt marsh dodder represent some of the most common species in the United States. They grow in leafless vines, often a yellow color, all over the host tree. They usually have a tangled hair-like appearance as well, and some species grow small blooms.
Effect on Host Trees
Just like mistletoe, dodder grows into the tree using root-like apparatuses called haustoria. These haustoria allow the parasitic plant to devour nutrients that the tree would otherwise use to grow or stay healthy, so the tree will weaken. Dodder is especially aggressive, and it will feed on the tree until it dies. Dodder also grows toward other healthy plants in your garden and latch onto them for more nutrients.
3. Pyrola
Appearance
The previous parasites on this page grow either all over the tree or in its branches. Pyrola, on the other hand, primarily grows in a tree’s roots. These small flowering plants might look harmless at first glance, and they certainly don’t cause as much damage as dodder or dwarf mistletoe, but you still don’t want them growing in your trees.
Pyrola grows in a slim stalk, with flowers blooming along that stalk somewhat like a geranium or a snapdragon. The blooms usually have a delicate appearance, and they come in various colors depending on the
Pyrola species.
Effect on Host Trees
Like all parasitic plants, pyrola weakens the host tree, but it is not as aggressive as some of the other parasites described on this page.
4. Pinedrops
Appearance
Like pyrolas, pinedrops attack tree roots. They also grow in flowering stalks, only these parasites can grow over a yard high. They usually have a reddish stem and cream-colored flowers. You’ll usually fine them growing on pine trees and similar tree species.
Effect on Host Trees
Pinedrops are not aggressive plant parasites, but they can weaken a tree and expose it to more diseases and other pests. So, if you want to keep your tree healthy, you should eradicate the pinedrops as soon as possible.
Because you live in a temperate climate, you don’t usually have to worry about plant parasites infesting your trees. However, if you see any of the parasites listed above in your yard, contact an arborist as soon as possible so your trees can stay strong for years to come.
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