![]() It would appear that this disruption of the normal growth pattern is a response to a parasitic organism. ![]() An imbalance of the hormones in the plant can stimulate these extra buds and produce an abnormal congested growth. These buds are typically held in reserve in case of injury to the plant. It is well known that every branch of a woody plant produces many more bud initials than needed for normal development of that plant. The Sargent’s weeping hemlock, for example, can be raised from seed and tends to produce offspring identical to the dwarf plant. The progeny from such seeds vary widely, but some seem stable. Occasionally, the broom will develop cones and set viable seed. Other dwarfs are not as stable and must be constantly policed for aggressive growth patterns that are the plant’s attempt to revert to its natural state. Successful experimentation, however, has produced some relatively stable dwarfs such as the well-known “bird’s nest” or dwarf Alberta spruce. Propagation is difficult, as both grafts and cuttings tend to have a high mortality rate. Both asexual and sexual propagation of the brooms, when successful, tend to produce a dwarf plant having the basic characteristics of its normal sized parent but usually with a much denser growth pattern. Most of the dwarf conifers that are becoming so popular today are the progeny of witches’ brooms. ![]() It was once believed that witches flying low over certain trees produced these “brooms.” After talking to experts at two Canadian schools, I favor this medieval interpretation – but will leave it to your judgment. ![]() Witches’ brooms are dense congested growths appearing on the lateral branches of many woody plants. Since the abnormal growth tends to be upright, the result gives the impression of a small broom, growing on a normal sized tree. ![]()
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