Understanding Mistletoe: The Fascinating but Complicated Native Parasite
When most people think of mistletoe, they picture holiday decorations and romantic traditions. But if you’re a gardener encountering Phoradendron mistletoe in your landscape, you might have mixed feelings about this native plant. While it’s certainly an interesting species with important ecological benefits, it’s not your typical garden-friendly native plant.
What Exactly Is Mistletoe?
Phoradendron, commonly known as mistletoe, is a perennial parasitic shrub that’s native to the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Unlike most plants you’d choose for your garden, mistletoe doesn’t grow in soil – instead, it attaches itself to the branches of host trees and draws water and nutrients from them.
This evergreen plant typically appears as a woody, multi-stemmed shrub growing right out of tree branches. It usually stays under 13-16 feet in height, though it can vary depending on environmental conditions. The plant features small, leathery leaves and produces distinctive white or translucent berries that are quite recognizable during winter months.
Where You’ll Find Mistletoe
Mistletoe has an impressively wide native range across North America. You can find various species of Phoradendron growing naturally in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.
The Wildlife Connection
Here’s where mistletoe really shines from an ecological perspective. Despite being a parasite, it plays a valuable role in supporting wildlife:
- Provides 5-10% of the diet for large animals, small mammals, and terrestrial birds
- Birds, especially, rely on mistletoe berries as an important winter food source
- The dense growth provides some cover for wildlife, though this isn’t its primary benefit
- Birds help spread mistletoe seeds from tree to tree, continuing the natural cycle
Should You Plant Mistletoe in Your Garden?
Here’s the straightforward answer: you really can’t plant mistletoe in the traditional sense, and you probably shouldn’t try to encourage it either. Here’s why:
Why mistletoe isn’t garden-friendly:
- It’s parasitic and can weaken or eventually kill host trees
- You can’t grow it in soil like other plants
- It spreads naturally through bird droppings – you can’t control where it goes
- Heavy infestations can make trees more susceptible to other stresses
- It requires specific host tree species to survive
If Mistletoe Appears in Your Landscape
If you discover mistletoe growing on your trees, you have a few options depending on your goals and the extent of the infestation:
Light infestations: You might choose to leave small amounts alone, especially if you want to support local wildlife and your trees appear healthy.
Heavy infestations: Consider removing mistletoe clumps by pruning affected branches at least 12 inches below the attachment point. This prevents the parasitic roots from continuing to draw resources from the tree.
Tree health concerns: If your trees show signs of stress or decline, removing mistletoe can help redirect the tree’s energy toward recovery.
Native Plant Alternatives
If you’re looking for native plants that provide similar winter interest and wildlife benefits without the parasitic drawbacks, consider these alternatives:
- Native holly species for winter berries and bird food
- Elderberry for wildlife nutrition
- Native viburnums for berries and year-round interest
- Dogwood species for winter wildlife support
The Bottom Line
Mistletoe occupies a unique niche in North American ecosystems. While it’s undeniably native and provides real benefits to wildlife, it’s not a plant you can or should actively cultivate in your garden. Instead, appreciate it for its ecological role while making informed decisions about managing it in your landscape based on your trees’ health and your gardening goals.
Remember, being native doesn’t automatically make every plant perfect for every garden situation – and mistletoe is a perfect example of this principle!
