Close Menu
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Facebook X (Twitter) YouTube
    Niceville.com
    Niceville.com
    Home»GARDENING»Mistletoe can harm trees, people, and pets
    GARDENING

    Mistletoe can harm trees, people, and pets

    Niceville.comBy Niceville.comFebruary 17, 2023No Comments3 Mins Read
    niceville larry williams
    Larry Williams,UF/IFAS Extension Agent, Okaloosa County.

    FLORIDA — Recently, I have been asked about mistletoe growing in trees and whether it is harmful. Perhaps, people notice mistletoe more often during winter. This may be because clumps of green mistletoe stand out in leafless dormant trees this time of year.

    In Florida, mistletoe is most common in oaks, particularly in laurel oaks. It can be found in other tree species, including sycamore, wild cherry, and elm.

    Mistletoe is a parasite and can harm trees. It also has poisonous properties and should be kept out of the reach of children and pets who may be tempted to eat the berries.

    Being a parasite, mistletoe gets water, essential elements, and some food from its host tree. As more clumps of mistletoe grow, the tree may decline. Old, slow-growing trees are most susceptible. Mistletoe seldom infests young, vigorous trees.

    Every clump of mistletoe is male or female, not both. Only female clumps produce the white to pink-colored fruit. Each berry contains a sticky seed inside.

    Mistletoe is spread mainly by birds. Birds eat the fruit, and then seeds pass through the birds and stick to branches. Falling fruit from clumps of mistletoe can stick to limbs below. Once a seed is stuck or lodged on the branch, growth of a new plant can begin.

    Seeds germinate and grow a root-like stub that works its way into bark openings, eventually becoming connected to food supplies within the branch. It may take several seasons for leaves to develop while the root stub continues to grow within the branch.

    Mistletoe is difficult and, in many cases, impractical to control due partly to the way it’s connected to the tree. And mistletoe growing high up in the tree is difficult to reach.

    Just breaking away the mistletoe is ineffective because it may redevelop at the point of removal. Systemic herbicides applied to the mistletoe can move through the mistletoe into the tree, injuring the tree.

    Ethephon, a growth regulator, has been used to control mistletoe but must be applied by a licensed pest control operator, can damage a tree when used incorrectly, and provides only temporary control.

    Eyewear Unlimited Niceville

    The most successful method of eliminating this parasite from a tree is through proper branch removal. The entire limb should be pruned at least one foot below the point where the mistletoe is attached.

    Once mistletoe has been removed, there is always the chance that additional mistletoe will again find its way to your tree via birds.

    More information is available at the following UF/IFAS website.: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/lawn-and-garden/mistletoe

    Larry Williams is the Extension horticulture agent with the Okaloosa County Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida. Contact Larry at 689-5850 or email lwilliams@myokaloosa.com.

    FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK

    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email

    Related Posts

    niceville larry williams

    Not all hollies produce berries for Christmas in the Florida landscape

    December 10, 2023
    niceville larry williams

    What to plant and do in December in the North Florida landscape and garden

    December 3, 2023
    niceville larry williams

    Year ‘round color is a matter of timing in Florida

    November 26, 2023

    Comments are closed.

    The Wharf 850 Niceville, Florida
    Categories
    • ANNOUNCEMENTS
    • COMMUNITY
    • GARDENING
    • HEALTH & WELLNESS
    • LARRY WILLIAMS
    • MARKETPLACE
    • MILITARY
    • NORTHWEST FLORIDA
    • OUTDOORS
    • PICTORIAL
    • POLICE / PUBLIC SAFETY
    • ROADS / TRANSPORTATION
    • SCHOOLS
    • STATE
    • THINGS TO DO
    • VIDEO
    The Wharf 850 Friday Lunch specials
    COMMUNITY PARTNERS
    • EGLIN FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
    • EYEWEAR UNLIMITED
    • HAIR EXPRESS
    • MIDBAY VETERINARY HOSPITAL
    • NICEVILLE FARMERS MARKET
    • NICEVILLE INSURANCE AGENCY
    • RUCKEL PROPERTIES, INC.
    • THE WHARF 850
    The Wharf 850 Niceville, Florida
    Categories
    • ANNOUNCEMENTS
    • COMMUNITY
    • GARDENING
    • HEALTH & WELLNESS
    • LARRY WILLIAMS
    • MARKETPLACE
    • MILITARY
    • NORTHWEST FLORIDA
    • OUTDOORS
    • PICTORIAL
    • POLICE / PUBLIC SAFETY
    • ROADS / TRANSPORTATION
    • SCHOOLS
    • STATE
    • THINGS TO DO
    • VIDEO
    The Wharf 850 Niceville, Florida
    eglin federal credit union banner ad 7.9% Mastercard

    ABOUT NICEVILLE.COM

    © 2023 Niceville.com. All Rights Reserved.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.