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Mistletoe
phoradendron tomentosum
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Mistletoe, an evergreen parasitic shrub on other
woody plants. Origin of its name “Mistel” is the Anglo-Saxon word for
“dung” and “tan” is the word for “twig”. Hence the name, Mistletoe means
“dung on a twig”. It's a quasi-parasitic plant, that lives off the host
tree. However, it's not a true parasite, because it produces its own
chlorophyl. Mistletoe's leathery green leaves contain chlorophyll that
lets it make sugar carbon dioxide and water, like all other green plants.
Its root system invades the internal tissues of the host tree, extracting
water and minerals, and anchors it to the host, Basically, it grows on
another plant at its expense. |
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Mistletoe Branch
Attached to host limb |
Mistletoe is actually an epiphyte (air plant).
Sharing its water and minerals with mistletoe is no problem for healthy
trees. But unhealthy trees can sometimes fall to the added stress. Weak,
older and unhealthy trees are often hosts for mistletoe. In most cases,
mistletoe doesn't damage trees. However, in rare cases of severe
infestations, it may cause extreme stress. Infected branches, and even the
whole tree, may die.
There are generally two types of
mistletoe found in the South is American mistletoe. In the western states,
they have dwarf mistletoe, which is very harmful to the host plant,
especially conifers.
Leafy mistletoe, blooms in the
spring and produces a seed which ripens in the summer. It is then eaten by
birds, passes thought their digestive system and is deposited on a branch
of another tree where it germinates and infects that tree.
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The leaf
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The sticky seeds
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Leafy mistletoe, the type you see at the Christmas
holiday season in part because it's so noticeable in the winter. You see
it in trees this time of year because most of its hosts are deciduous and
have lost their leaves, it’s there year around. You see mistletoe in trees
around homes and cities more often than in undisturbed forests. Mistletoe
provides birds, especially mockingbirds, one of the few winter berries
around. Mockingbirds are very territorial, and tend to make their homes in
areas where humans live. They don't visit from your bird feeder. But
they're in your yard driving other birds away. They also perch high in
trees, and that's where mistletoe tends to grow. The wind and several bird
species spread mistletoe from tree to tree. The birds feed on the white
berries, roost in the treetops and deposit the seeds on the branches.
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Blue Butterfly
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Birds aren't the only ones that benefit from
mistletoe. It's the sole host plant of an interesting butterfly called the
great blue hairstreak. This butterfly is in the same family as the little
blue butterflies you see in the spring. In caterpillar form, the butterfly
feeds on mistletoe. Its wingspread is a little over an inch, and the wings
reflect a metallic blue when open. If you want to see it in your garden,
watch under the trees that host mistletoe. |
Why would any one want to control mistletoe? That
could mean a holiday kiss, but there is a downside to mistletoe. Leafy
mistletoe is the type most people wish to control because it's the most
visible and does the most damage on homeowner property. Florel®
brand Fruit Eliminator to control both types of mistletoe. In fact, Florel®
brand Fruit Eliminator is the only product registered in the U.S. for this
purpose. The best time to control the mistletoe is in the spring on
deciduous trees when the weather is warm. The mistletoe is growing and the
trees have not quite begun to leaf out yet. Day time temperatures should
be at least 65 degrees F. at the time of application and rain should not
be expected for at least 24 hours.
To control leafy mistletoe, Florel®
brand Fruit Eliminator plus a surfactant and thoroughly spray the
mistletoe bunches according to the label use direction and spray just the
mistletoe bunches. A second application may be necessary. In about 5-7
days after application you will see the leaves and the branches of the
mistletoe fall to the ground. This will continue for about three weeks.
Since the roots of the mistletoe will not be effected, you may need to
repeat this procedure every 3-4 years. |
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A Heavy Infestation
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Out on a limb
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Mechanical control, simply
cutting the mistletoe off at its stalk each winter is not a permanent solution
but it is better than doing nothing. Breaking off the plant from the tree, this
does not remove the root and re-growth will continue. Removing the infected
branch at least one foot below the point if infection will prevent re-growth of
the parasite. If there is excessive infection throughout the entire tree, it may
be better to remove the tree to prevent others trees in the area of infection.
Although birds and butterflies find
the berries tasty, they're toxic to humans. When decorating with mistletoe, keep
it out of reach of children and pets. The stem and leaves are toxic, too, and
can irritate skin. |
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Contact: Tel:
830.257.8871 - Toll Free: 1.800.OAK.WILT (800-625-9458)
Cell: 830.459.8216 Toll Free: 1.866.OAK.WILT
(866.625.9458)
Jim Rediker - Nurseryman - Arborist - TDA Certified
SCENIC HILLS
NURSERY
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