The Popular Holiday Greenery That's Actually A Parasitic Plant

Hang a bundle of this leafy, white-berried plant from a doorway this December, and it could bring you luck for the upcoming year. Or maybe just a kiss. Mistletoe has been part of Christmas folklore since at least the 1700s. Its kiss-inducing qualities are common knowledge, but the fact that it's a parasitic plant is not. Mistletoe, whether American, European, or another type, lives off of host trees and weakens their defenses.

While a mistletoe infestation on a tree won't kill it outright, it can team up with other harmful factors that can end a tree's life. Plus, there are other dangers of having mistletoe in your garden, particularly European mistletoe. All parts of the plant are poisonous if eaten. The species is also considered a noxious weed in California. Learning that this seemingly innocuous festive plant is poisonous and robs nutrients and water from other trees is like learning that your favorite movie star is a jerk. The leafy, green mistletoe that we associate with Christmas will make its home on almost any deciduous tree. 

Some of this sucker's favorites are fruit trees like apple or pear, but it can also pop up on maples, ashes, cottonwoods, alders, and many more. Once the trees' own leaves fall for the season, you'll notice large, nearly spherical clusters of green leaves lingering on otherwise bare branches. These tenacious bundles grow roots into their host tree in order to grab food and water from it. So, what should you do if your trees are victimized by this pest plant? While there are chemical approaches to managing mistletoe, it's best to remove the plant by hand. It's also important to note that some mistletoe species, like desert mistletoe, are native and serve as an important part of the natural ecosystem.

To treat a tree besieged by mistletoe, prune away the clusters or even full limbs that are badly infested. If the trunk or a crucial branch of a tree is infected, you can wrap the trunk or branch in sheets of black polyethylene. Surround the affected area with several layers of the material. Secure it with twine or tape, but take care not to attach it so tightly that it could damage the tree itself. The plastic layers will deprive the mistletoe of light, and in a few years, it should kill the parasite. However, you may need to repeat this process if the wrapping comes off, or if it doesn't kill the mistletoe on your first try.

Conveniently, the best time to rid your trees of mistletoe is winter; that's doubly useful if you want to try this easy mistletoe DIY that will fill your home with festive cheer. After all, the white berries are better off inside where birds can't snack on them and spread more mistletoe seeds. Just make sure to hang your mistletoe well out of reach of any young or furry family members who might take a taste. If you don't want to run the risk of spreading berries as you carry sprigs into your home, leave them in the trash bag. Instead, head toward your other evergreen plants and use our tips on how to harvest Christmas greenery without harming your plants.