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pastoriagym OP t1_j6ynj7q wrote

Reply to comment by esrmpinus in Sword ferns growing on a spruce (?) tree near Neah Bay by pastoriagym

Oh wow TIL. I knew mistletoe was a parasite but I didn't know there was one that effects hemlocks and that's what makes those funky branches. I should check the hemlock in my yard and see if it has mistletoe.. Thank you!

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esrmpinus t1_j6yoy92 wrote

While it is parasitic, I don't think it's necessarily bad or hurt the tree. Doesn't make good timber but they are actually quite good for habit:) birds and other species (like the ferns here) are taking advantage of the platform being created. More common in older trees for sure

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pastoriagym OP t1_j6ypstf wrote

I'm always trying to explain to people that every kind of parasite is important and is fulfilling an ecological niche and wasn't just put on earth to make life harder. I mean, ticks, fleas, and mosquitos suck but they're important!

Mushrooms are one of my special interests and I see that a lot when talking to people who don't know much about them. Granted some mushrooms do attack trees but even that is important, fallen trees and snags provide important habitat to so many other species and recycle nutrients back into the forest.

It is awesome to learn we have a type of mistletoe in these parts though, I'll have to keep an eye out for it so I can get a closer look.

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esrmpinus t1_j6yqftv wrote

Exactly! I am on Kitsap peninsula too and pick mushrooms. Great to find somebody else out there appreciating nature!

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pastoriagym OP t1_j6yqyh6 wrote

Heck yeah! If I'm not hanging with my chickens I'm sitting in the moss looking at tiny mushrooms.

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RandyJohnsonsBird t1_j70ikcm wrote

It will eventually kill the tree above the point where the mistletoe hits the bole.

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