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Never knew mistletoe was a parasite. Guess I never really knew what mistletoe was to begin with. Very interesting article. I'll be sure to keep my eye out for it.
FrauSnow
I live along the banks of Lower Oak Creek in Norhtern Arizona. I came late to a riparian habitat that has Mistletoe growing on most of the trees along the creek and in our pastures, particularly Arizona Ash, Willow and Freemont Cottonwood.
I have noticed the Ash trees don't live long once large tufts of the mistletoe grow in its very high branches.
In the past I have tried to eradicate it by yanking it out by hand from the branch becuse it grew near my fruit trees and ornamentals, but it always grew back. Not knowing whether it becomes part of the living tree- I have been reluctant to drip Roundup on any growing close to my yard. Like the resident snails here, I'll never fully eradicte it, but would like to protect my precious fruit trees. Was hoping for some advice to keep it at bay w/o major chemical use.
The roots of the mistletoe infiltrate the bark of the tree, so pulling the plant off the tree will not get rid of it. You would have to cut off the branch, I believe, which means a way of getting up into the top of the tree to do it.
