Mistletoe: parasitic plant or bird food?

All mistletoes infest and grow as parasites on trees and large shrubs. In some cases, the host plant can be severely damaged. But recent studies have shown that broadleaf mistletoes can shelter and feed wildlife, including birds and small mammals. So, mistletoes are both parasitic plants and bird food!

Because mistletoes can damage trees, you may decide to do something about mistletoes infesting your trees. The first step is to find out whether you're dealing with broadleaf or dwarf mistletoe. Mistletoes differ in their life cycles, the damage they cause and management methods. UC Cooperative Extension Advisors Igor Lacan (San Mateo and San Francisco Counties), Steven Swain (Marin County) and Ed Perry (Stanislaus County, retired) have updated and expanded Pest Notes: Mistletoes. It includes more about identification of broadleaf and dwarf mistletoe, the latest information about where specific mistletoes grow in California, as well as details about how dwarf mistletoe infest trees and under what circumstances. The publication has management options for both types of mistletoes, information on community-based mistletoe management, a new section about the ecological benefits of broadleaf mistletoes, and new references.

  

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