Ho, Ho, Ho, It's Mistletoe. Not.

By Andrea Peck

I'm not sure how you feel about mistletoe, but I've always found it a little creepy. Perhaps it is the lascivious loitering that it encourages. Or maybe it is simply the dark way that it dangles from above, smashed up by a bit of Scotch tape to the door molding.

There are many stories surrounding mistletoe, including the name. Some say ‘toe' in Old English means tan colored. ‘Mistle' when looked at from the Germanic perspective, translates loosely to excrement. Of course, this may or may not be true, but it certainly does not seem romantic to me. Romantic or not, this interpretation makes sense because the plant is propagated when birds eat the small, sticky, white-colored berries and then excrete the seeds. The key word above is “sticky” because the seeds fall from the bird and easily stick to the branches below. For this reason, taller trees, which are attractive to birds that prefer to perch up high, are most often afflicted.

Mistletoe is a parasitic plant, but some are actually hemiparasites, which is basically a parasite that brings something to the table. In this case, mistletoe utilizes energy through photosynthesis. Personally, I think this is just trickery and manipulation because once this plant moves in, it will definitely take more than it gives. After mistletoe germinates, it reaches through the branch and develops root-like structures called haustoria. The haustoria extend deep into the branch where the water-conducting tissue conducts the important business of nourishing the tree.

Small infestations on healthy trees seldom do major damage; but mistletoe, like those who lurk beneath it during holiday festivities hoping for a smooch, can be persistent. It tends to grow slowly, but once it sinks its hooks in, it is able to deplete the tree of water and nutrients. Stunted growth and even death of the tree may result. I guess if you are looking for a Romeo and Juliet type relationship, then rely on ‘Ol Mistletoe for help. Otherwise, it may be best to steer clear.

What's worse is the translation: “tan excrement.” Personally, I'll pass. How about a friendly “hello” at a safe distance from a door jamb?

For more information regarding management click here.