With its small white berries and its ball shape, mistletoe stands out.
Symbol of love, eternity and prosperity, it was also used in Antiquity as well as by the Druids in the time of the Gauls for its medicinal properties.
However, it can greatly
weaken the trees
on which it decides to take up residence.
Although it is not a parasite strictly speaking but rather a hemiparasite, it can still have a strong impact on the proper development of the trees on which it decides to settle.
Understanding how it works allows you to recognize it and know what to do to eliminate it.
How to recognize mistletoe?
To find the mistletoe (
Viscum album
), you have to look up!
Indeed, this plant which does not have roots does not grow in the ground and must therefore attach itself to other trees to develop.
Sometimes confused with holly whose fruits are red, it is thanks to its small translucent white balls that we recognize mistletoe.
Its rounded, jointed stems that split in two and
its ball shape
are also distinctive features.
Its rounded and articulated stems which divide in two as well as its ball shape make it possible to recognize mistletoe.
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Which trees does mistletoe colonize?
As a
hemiparasitic plant
, mistletoe settles on a host from which it draws the water and minerals it needs for its proper development.
However, it makes its own sap thanks to its evergreen leaves which carry out photosynthesis.
It is for this reason that it is not considered a parasite in its own right.
It is found mainly on poplars and apple trees but also on pear trees, hawthorns, willows and lime trees.
A variety of mistletoe (
Viscum album abietis
) can also colonize the fir tree.
On the other hand, it is rare to find it on an oak and never on a beech or maple.
How does mistletoe get on trees?
The proliferation of mistletoe is caused by birds, notably
thrushes
who love its berries.
When the latter eat them, seeds sometimes stick to their beaks and are then deposited on the branches of the trees.
They can then germinate.
The propagation of mistletoe seeds can also be done through the droppings of birds that have ingested the fruits.
The proliferation of mistletoe occurs through birds which feast on its fruits.
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No use without permission.
Is mistletoe harmful to trees?
Once placed on a tree branch, the mistletoe seed germinates and a cone of attachment develops.
A sucker then penetrates the tree to extract the sap.
When it is abundant, mistletoe can weaken the tree that serves as its host and, ultimately,
slow its growth
.
This can also impact the quality of its wood.
How to get rid of mistletoe?
There is no treatment to get rid of mistletoe and it is not easy to remove since its suckers burrow deep into the bark of the tree that serves as its host.
If the mistletoe has been installed for several years, the most effective way to eliminate it is to prune the parasitized branches.
Is mistletoe edible?
Mistletoe berries are
toxic to humans
and can cause both digestive and cardiovascular problems.
Its leaves have medicinal properties but should only be used under medical supervision.