Can anyone explain the ball in the tree. I haven't a clue as to what it is or why it's there. Photo taken in the desert outside Sedona, AZ. Any help greatly appreciated.
Can anyone explain the ball in the tree. I haven't a clue as to what it is or why it's there. Photo taken in the desert outside Sedona, AZ. Any help greatly appreciated.
Can anyone explain the ball in the tree. I haven't a clue as to what it is or why it's there. Photo taken in the desert outside Sedona, AZ. Any help greatly appreciated.
I hope it's not dangerous, good thing it's not here in NC
ShellbackLoc: North of Cheyenne Bottoms Wetlands - Kansas
This is what I've been told about them: It is called a "witches broom." Nothing to do with Hallowe'en, it's something that can be found on many species of trees, both conifers (like your pine) or deciduous trees. They are caused by different sorts of fungi. While not necessarily harmful to the host plant, it is often best to prune off the odd growth back to a healthy lateral branch.
I have seen them throughout the Carolinas; was told that they are actually plants grown from wind-blown seeds that lodge into the host tree and derive their nourishment from the host. Pretty amazing.
Might be a form of mistletoe, but the southwest mistletoe is an orangy-yellow and none that I've seen have blossoms on them. Definitely not as pretty as the Eastern mistletoe of Virginia.
I hope it's not dangerous, good thing it's not here in NC
Hello chevman. Speaking of dangerous......When I asked my son what he thought it was he didn't know but suggested I climb up into the tree and "mess with it." I'm not that adventurous.
This is what I've been told about them: It is called a "witches broom." Nothing to do with Hallowe'en, it's something that can be found on many species of trees, both conifers (like your pine) or deciduous trees. They are caused by different sorts of fungi. While not necessarily harmful to the host plant, it is often best to prune off the odd growth back to a healthy lateral branch.
I have seen them throughout the Carolinas; was told that they are actually plants grown from wind-blown seeds that lodge into the host tree and derive their nourishment from the host. Pretty amazing.
I appreciate your info mffox. It is truly amazing!
It's a Witches Broom. Scions taken from them are grafted on to understock and sold as dwarf conifers. Definitely NOT Mistletoe. I will be in Sedona in the middle of May.