Witches broom, a mutation causing dense compact growth.
This is where many of our “dwarf” forms of conifers come from.
AlligatorFister
It’s a “Witches Broom”
The mutation is often triggered by disease (pathogens), dwarf mistletoe, mites, or, in many cases, a stable genetic mutation that causes the tree to grow much slower at that spot.
It’s a plant growth deformity caused by infection, mutation or injury to the growing point.
West-Working-9093
Witches Broom? That’s what they want you to think. I’d call the bomb squad!
Bulky_Raspberry_1640
This is new to me and very cool! Thanks for sharing
EBs4G3
Witches broom, these can be sought after for grafting depending on the tree. Very cool though
Due-Dirt-8428
Ya as others have said, this is a witches broom. You should try to find a conifer group on Facebook and see if anyone is local, I bet someone would love to try and graft it! Maybe they’ll let you name the cultivar
jewfrojay
Fun fact, the ginkgo mariken was harvested from a witches broom
RoknPa
Flippin nature man, TIL!
aveburyearthworks
There are many of there around me and they are invaluable for birds to shelter inside when it gets really cold. Also birds love hiding their nests inside, as do the red squirrels.
Jesus_Harold_Christ
I was going to go with a flying beaver, but it looks like it’s been answered
immadirtbag
Sasquatch.
GemGuy56
At scout camp they called them zombies. The dead ones go up in flames quickly.
Economy_Discount9967
👀
Sb5tCm8t
Bear nest.
RaytheQuilterChill
Squirrel city
ExplanationMaster634
Definitely leave it until winter comes around
It’s a type of burl and knife makers and anyone who uses high end wood for their builds will pay a premium for it
Just leave it be and when you cut it down be sure to store it inside the house so no critters (squirrels) will knaw on it
Congrats on the find!!
Ps
I have been watching a black cherry burl for 25 years on a piece of property I happen to own and I think this winter will be the time to harvest it
17 Comments
Witches broom, a mutation causing dense compact growth.
This is where many of our “dwarf” forms of conifers come from.
It’s a “Witches Broom”
The mutation is often triggered by disease (pathogens), dwarf mistletoe, mites, or, in many cases, a stable genetic mutation that causes the tree to grow much slower at that spot.
Looks like it’s probably a “Witches’ Broom” to me: [https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/insects-pests-and-problems/diseases/witches-broom](https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/insects-pests-and-problems/diseases/witches-broom)
It’s a plant growth deformity caused by infection, mutation or injury to the growing point.
Witches Broom? That’s what they want you to think. I’d call the bomb squad!
This is new to me and very cool! Thanks for sharing
Witches broom, these can be sought after for grafting depending on the tree. Very cool though
Ya as others have said, this is a witches broom. You should try to find a conifer group on Facebook and see if anyone is local, I bet someone would love to try and graft it! Maybe they’ll let you name the cultivar
Fun fact, the ginkgo mariken was harvested from a witches broom
Flippin nature man, TIL!
There are many of there around me and they are invaluable for birds to shelter inside when it gets really cold. Also birds love hiding their nests inside, as do the red squirrels.
I was going to go with a flying beaver, but it looks like it’s been answered
Sasquatch.
At scout camp they called them zombies. The dead ones go up in flames quickly.
👀
Bear nest.
Squirrel city
Definitely leave it until winter comes around
It’s a type of burl and knife makers and anyone who uses high end wood for their builds will pay a premium for it
Just leave it be and when you cut it down be sure to store it inside the house so no critters (squirrels) will knaw on it
Congrats on the find!!
Ps
I have been watching a black cherry burl for 25 years on a piece of property I happen to own and I think this winter will be the time to harvest it