Mistletoe

Mistletoe plants are found throughout the South and are common in Florida. Mistletoe was once believed to have magical and medicinal properties and has long been associated with Christmas celebrations.

This plant can infect most hardwoods. Mistletoe is not considered a major threat to trees but can cause some growth loss and damage to branches.

Mistletoe is an evergreen plant that produces ticky seeds that are carried to tree branches by animals, birds, and rain. Once on the host tree, the seeds germinate and carry out a peglike root to tap into the tree's vascular system. Mistletoe can only penetrate through young, thin bark. The mistletoe removes water and essential nutrients from the host tree but mistletoe is not a complete parasite because it does make its own food.

Mistletoe
Photo credit: Larry Kohrnak

Identifying Characteristics
Identifying the pathogen:	Mistletoe is an evergreen, perennial plant that forms a dark green to yellowish-green, drooping brush that can reach 2'-3' long or wide. Mistletoe has thickly crowded, forking branches and round, jointed stems. The opposite, oval to lance-shaped, leathery leaves are about 2" long. Mistletoe produces white to red berries in the fall that contain toxic chemicals poisonous to people and animals. This plant is easiest to see in the winter when the host tree has lost its leaves.
Susceptible trees:	Mistletoe can grow on any hardwoods, but oak, hickory, and pecan are the most common and most severely attacked trees.