The Christmas holiday season would not be complete without a dangling of mistletoe under the doorway. Traditionally, mistletoe is used to decorate the doorway, leading visitors inside to beautiful dreams as well as a place to exchange a kiss of peace.

Mistletoe is a parasitic plant that infects many tree species worldwide. This unusual plant grows mainly in hardwoods and can be easily found on oaks and maples throughout Rowan County after fall leaf drop. Mistletoe has been a problem for some homeowners who worry about the parasite destroying their trees. Fortunately, the parasitic plant causes little damage to the growth and development of our trees. However, in some areas of North Carolina, particularly the coastal areas, mistletoe almost consumes trees. In extreme cases, it will cause decline of growth after 14-20 years of infestation.

This parasitic plant is able to produce much of its own chlorophyll, so its leaves have a healthy green color, however it derives most of its nutrients from the xylem or water-conducting vessels of the host tree.

Mistletoe has small white, round translucent berries that are spread easily by birds throughout trees. The seeds are coated with a sticky layer allowing the seeds to readily stick to the bark. The seeds germinate by sending a modified root into the host cambium layer for nutrients. It takes a year or so for the plant to become established on the host tree. Once the mistletoe roots are established the evergreen plant grows quickly and is easily identified in the late fall.

Darrell Blackwelder is the retired horticulture agent and director with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service in Rowan County. Contact him at deblackw@ncsu.edu.