witch’s broom
In the Balsalm Fir tree over our shed is a strange growth, like a dark mass of short deformed branches. This dark mass of branches is known as a ‘witch’s broom’.
A witch’s broom is a common term for an abnormal growth caused by the action of an agent such as a mite, virus, insect, or fungus. The agent causes a branch of the tree to grow from a single point, resulting in a mass of twigs and branches resembling a nest or broom. Many kinds of plants can have a witch’s broom deformity, including many tree species.
Animals, including the Northern Flying Squirrel, use the witch’s broom as a nesting place. The Northern Flying Squirrel is the big-eyed squirrel invading our feeders every night (see ‘spacemen in our feeder’ under the category ‘competing for niche space’ for December 23, 2011).
Witch’s brooms occur frequently … we have at least three in our grey woods. They lend an air of mystery to the woodland. People used to believe a witch had flown over the place where a witch’s broom grew.
If anyone knows of another name for the witch’s broom, please let me know. Years ago, we visited a small farm museum in northern Maine and an example of a huge witch’s broom was displayed in the shed, labelled ‘horrah’s nest’, but I have been unable to find this term used elsewhere.
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wood witch
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burdened by snow
a tree falls
tumbles a witch’s broom
the witch set free
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a hex on the snowfall
slate where the dog walks
cuts her feet
soft rubies in every track
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a hex on the room
cold as I left
now warm
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too warm
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© Jane Tims 2001
nichepoetryandprose 
This is wonderful. You identified and resolved my mystery nest. Thanks so very much.
You’re multi-talented. You write interesting articles, fun poetry and Your artwork is amazing. 🙂
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E.C.
November 29, 2016 at 11:21 am
Thanks!
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jane tims
November 29, 2016 at 11:38 am
Ah-ha! Found it. It was associated with the Torrey Pine. “Gorilla’s nest.” They also call it a witch’s broom.
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Robin
January 3, 2012 at 4:33 pm
A ‘Gorilla’s nest’… cool. Thanks for this. There may be other terms out there! Jane
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jane tims
January 4, 2012 at 6:47 am
I’ve heard another name for witch’s broom, but can’t recall it. I think it had something to do with the Torrey Pine, but I’m not sure. If I recall what it is, I’ll come back and let you know. I don’t remember hearing it called a witch’s broom (which is what makes me think there is another name).
I like that the witch was set free, although I feel sorry for the dog and those burdened by the hex. The flying squirrel is cute. 🙂
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Robin
January 3, 2012 at 4:32 pm
Hi Robin. I would like to know the other name if you remember. Thanks for the comments on the poem. Jane
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jane tims
January 4, 2012 at 6:46 am
Oh my, I’ve seen a witch’s broom before but had no idea what it was or how it came to be. Thanks for the botany lesson today! The flying squirrel is adorable and the poem, wistful.
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Barbara Rodgers
January 2, 2012 at 11:02 am
Hi Barbara. Thanks! Wistful is an interesting word to apply to the poem… it is a little tribute to our dog Dusty who is gone now… Jane
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jane tims
January 2, 2012 at 12:28 pm