As unromantic as this may sound, when kissing under the “mistletoe”, we are actually making merry beneath a parasite! 🦠 This poisonous parasite that grows on trees / shrubs, actually chokes out the host plant until it declines. And beware, the yummy looking berries are actually toxic to humans.

 Although mistletoe is relative to the Christmas holiday, the parasite grows year round. It finds a host, and nestles in for the long ride by rooting itself into the bark of the host plant. 

Mythology

In ancient times, Celtic Druids believed that mistletoe was a holy plant because it rooted closer to heaven than any other plant. Its evergreen leaves symbolized the promise of spring’s return. In Scandinavian mythology, mistletoe was a symbol of peace.These traditions and beliefs were adapted by the English and French, giving us the holiday custom of kissing under mistletoe bunches. Hanging mistletoe is a Christmas tradition in the U.S., while in Europe, it is more commonly associated with New Year’s Eve.” The American / oak mistletoe (Phorandendron serotinum)  grows on deciduous trees. In Florida, Laurel Oaks are a common host to mistletoe. Other tree species can include: Sycamore, Cherry, Elms & Hackberries. 



Use Caution

Between 1985 and 1992, U.S. Poison Control centers reported 1,754 cases of accidental poisoning of children or pets with mistletoe. Accidental ingestion of American mistletoe can be harmful, so keep the plants and decorations out of the reach of children and pets.”

 REMOVAL & CONTROL

Because of its parasitic nature, mistletoe can weaken or destroy the trees it infests, especially if the tree has been compromised by pests, storms, or old age. Removing mistletoe may help revive the tree. There are two common removal methods, neither of which is easy.

Pruning

Mistletoe may be cut out of the tree. Remove the roots by pruning the infested branch at least six inches below the spot where the mistletoe is attached. Unfortunately, pruning can damage the tree’s structure, making the cure worse than the problem.You can avoid climbing into trees by using a pruning pole. Be sure to take safety precautions when cutting branches out of trees, including wearing head and eye protection. After handling mistletoe plants, wash your hands thoroughly hot, soapy water.

Growth Regulation

A specialized growth regulating chemical can be applied to the mistletoe when the host tree is dormant, usually from December to early February. If applied while the tree is actively growing, this chemical–Ethephon–will damage the tree.Ethephon must be applied by a licensed pest control operator. Contact your local 
county Extension office for more information about chemical regulation of mistletoe.



MAKING DECORATIONS

Once you have cut mistletoe out of the trees in your yard, consider making holiday decorations from the pruning. Refrigerating fresh cut sprigs will help keep them fresh until you are ready to prepare them for decorative use.Use thin florist wire to wrap the ends of short mistletoe cuttings. Add ribbons for color, and your mistletoe is ready to hang over a doorway. Mist the sprig daily to keep it looking fresh. After handling mistletoe plants, wash your hands thoroughly hot, soapy water.Do not hang mistletoe directly above heaters, stoves, fireplaces, or any other heat-producing elements. Mistletoe hung in these locations will dry out much faster, creating a fire hazard.”

Source: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/lawn-and-garden/mistletoe/