Mistletoe in the Garden: What You Need to Know About This Parasitic Plant
When most people think of mistletoe, they picture holiday decorations and romantic traditions. But for gardeners, Viscum (commonly known as mistletoe) presents a completely different story. This perennial shrub isn’t your typical garden plant – in fact, it’s not really a garden plant at all.
What Exactly Is Mistletoe?
Mistletoe is a non-native parasitic plant that has established itself in parts of the United States, particularly in California. Unlike the plants you’d typically choose for your landscape, mistletoe doesn’t grow in soil. Instead, it’s a shrub that lives entirely on other trees, drawing water and nutrients from its host.
This perennial plant forms distinctive clumps in tree branches, with small oval leaves and, eventually, white translucent berries. While it can grow quite large – potentially reaching 13 to 16 feet in height under the right conditions – it’s entirely dependent on its host tree for survival.
Where You’ll Find Mistletoe
In the United States, mistletoe has established populations primarily in California, where it reproduces spontaneously without human intervention. This introduced species has adapted well to certain climates and continues to spread naturally.
Why Gardeners Don’t Typically Plant Mistletoe
Here’s the thing about mistletoe – you can’t really plant it in the traditional sense. As a parasitic plant, it needs a host tree to survive. Even if you wanted to introduce it to your landscape, it would require:
- An established deciduous tree host (like oak, apple, or birch)
- Birds to deposit the seeds in the right location on branches
- The right environmental conditions for establishment
- Acceptance that it may eventually harm or weaken the host tree
The Impact on Your Trees
While mistletoe might look charming hanging in tree branches, it’s essentially a slow-acting drain on your trees’ resources. Heavy infestations can weaken trees, making them more susceptible to other stresses like drought, disease, or extreme weather. For this reason, many arborists actually recommend removing mistletoe from valuable landscape trees.
Native Alternatives for Wildlife Interest
If you’re drawn to mistletoe because you want to support wildlife with berry-producing plants, consider these native alternatives that provide similar benefits without the parasitic drawbacks:
- Native elderberry species for birds and beneficial insects
- Native hawthorn varieties that produce berries and support pollinators
- Regional native holly species for winter berry interest
- Native serviceberry for multi-season appeal and wildlife value
Managing Mistletoe in Your Landscape
If you discover mistletoe growing on your trees, you have a few options. Small infestations can be pruned out during dormant season, cutting at least 12 inches below the visible mistletoe growth. For larger infestations or valuable trees, consulting with a certified arborist is your best bet.
The Bottom Line
While mistletoe has its place in holiday traditions and natural ecosystems, it’s not a plant most gardeners should actively encourage. Its parasitic nature means it can harm the trees we value in our landscapes. Instead, focus on native plants that provide similar winter interest and wildlife benefits without the potential drawbacks to your existing trees.
Remember, the best gardens work in harmony with nature while supporting local ecosystems – and that usually means choosing plants that evolved in your region rather than introduced species that may create unintended consequences for your landscape.
