Mite infestation of the flower buds inhibits elongation of the flowering stems and lateral branches. There is considerable distortion of the galled structure, which appears cauliflowerlike and of variable size or which forms clusters of aborted and contorted lateral branches, foliage, and flower heads. Since the flower stems fail to produce flowers, the reproductive capacity of the plant is greatly reduced. . . . Eriophyes chondrillae was introduced into California as a biological control agent.

buds transformed into a 1-1.5 cm coralloid mass of disfigured stems and scale-like leaves