I’m not sure how mistletoe became a symbol of romance, kissing, and Christmas wishes because in reality, it is more like a kiss of death—for a tree anyway! Mistletoe (
Arceuthobium pusillum
) is a parasitic plant that, at the very least, stunts the growth of the host tree, but will kill the tree if the infection becomes widespread. The Maine climate is too cold for the well-known species of mistletoe with leaves and berries that is hung in doorways. However, Eastern Dwarf Mistletoe is present here and is on the state watch list as a noxious disease for spruces and some other conifers, particularly in coastal areas and the islands. The presence of this parasite stimulates the tree to produce large twiggy growths referred to as “witch’s brooms.” I spotted the large broom pictured here at the Otter Brook Preserve. The parasitic plant itself is very small—appearing as short, brown shoots on the branches, between the needles. (Submitted by Lynn Knight February 5, 2019)
