‘Tis the season when among all the other things, one might be looking for some mistletoe to hang for that special party. Right on target, when my latest National Wildlife magazine came, there was an interesting article on mistletoe.
Let me share some of the things I learned. The parasitic plant grows on all continents except Antarctica. It is a vital component of forest ecology and 40 of the 1400 species are native to the US. The plant derives nutrients and water thru roots in the host tree bark. As the plant grows its stems and branches mass into a basket-like structure.
Berries contain one sticky seed which easily attaches to an animal for transport to another site. The berries of those on junipers and pines can explode sending the seeds as far as 50-feet. Pine forests heavily infested with mistletoe have more dead trees than uninfested forests, BUT provide three times more cavity-nesting birds.
Parasites can make trees susceptible to black beetle and fungi attacks. Some view mistletoe as a powerful positive force in weeding out trees poorly matched to an area, thus enforcing forest health.
Many species of birds and 43% of spotted owls nest in mistletoe. A few species of butterflies lay eggs on mistletoe and the young eat the leaves. Native bees feed on nectar from the plant. Berries in the fall and winter provide food for mammals and birds. In Europe extracts from mistletoe have been used to combat colon cancer and has proved more effective and less toxic than standard chemotherapy.
Then again, one can always hope to steal a kiss under the mistletoe. I’ve heard even Santa has done so.
Winnie Bowen
You must be logged in to post a comment.