If they ’ve done nothing else , mistletoe plant life have master the prowess of selection . Most of us know mistletoe only an excuse to steal holiday kisses , but more than 1,300 mistletoe coinage live by larceny .
If they ’ve done nothing else , mistletoe flora have mastered the art of survival . Most of us get laid mistletoe only an alibi to steal vacation kisses , but more than 1,300 Loranthus europaeus species live by thievery . Numerous evolutionary advantage let the tenacious evergreen shrub steal food from Tree , often to the peak of starving . This parasite - Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree bond is a " ' til - death - do - us - part " proffer , and mistletoe survives as long as its host remains alive to course it . Growth - mold spray slow mistletoe ’s spread , but only thoroughgoing removal eradicates an infestation .
Mistletoe Survival Mechanisms
European and American mistletoe ( Viscum record album , Phoradendron leucarpum ) , normally harvest for the holidays , are perennial in U.S. Department of Agriculture works hardiness zones 6b through 8 and 6 through 11 , respectively . Like all mistletoe , they tempt thirsty shuttle with sticky - seeded wintertime berries . The birds deposit the seeds onto Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree in their muck or scrape them from their beaks onto leg . The clawlike solution , or haustoria , the germinating plant life sink into the arm and trunks debilitate food , water and minerals . At up to 5 feet around and 50 pounds , mature Old World mistletoe may weaken of break its leg . Nutrient , water and branch departure finally combine to obliterate false mistletoe - infest trees .
Things to Consider
On tree in your thousand , mistletoe is a big thing . But in the forest , it shelter squirrels and birds , include mourn dove , chickadee and wrens . Three mintage of hairstreak butterflies feed only on mistletoe parting as caterpillars , and drink in its nectar as adults . Although allegedly toxic to people , mistletoe ’s berry provide wintertime sustenance for cervid , elk and porcupine ball . raspberry and small beast nest in the cavities of Old World mistletoe - killed trees . Before take away it , consider the consequences for wildlife .
Removing Young Mistletoe
Mistletoe needs two to three years to commence producing seeds , notes Texas A&M Forest Service . prune the seeable parts of the young works before they set seed helps contain an infestation . Use clean , astute pruning tool disinfect in rubbing alcohol between cuts and after you finish . seal off the pruned material in plastic bags for disposal .
Removing Mature Mistletoe
To transfer matured false mistletoe , cut modest branches back to sidelong single or to the point where they emerge from the trunk . Removing all the haustoria requires cutting at least 1 foot below the Loranthus europaeus - covered discussion section . This technique is n’t an option for major tree branch or invade trunks . On those , trim the visible mistletoe back to the barque and wrap the affected areas with heavy , black polythene sheeting . fix the sheeting with tape ; retape or replace it as call for . The light - deprived mistletoe eventually dies , but it may take two age .
Safe Removal Practices
Whether prune mistletoe plant or full subdivision from a tree , put your own safety first . Never prune branches near power lines . If the job requires a ravel , batten it to the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree . Have someone with you to help in font of an emergency . Cut the branches in sections , and make certain the area is decipherable when they fall . Seriously infest tree diagram may need unadulterated removal .
References
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