Mistletoe, a plant of the holidays
Amy Jordan, Special to The Gazette
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Mistletoe is known for the kisses it brings to those who stand under it during the holidays. But just what is mistletoe and how did it’s association with Christmas evolve?
Mistletoe is a hemiparasitic plant, meaning it derives water and nutrients from the host tree on which it grows yet has green leaves and stems allowing it to conduct photosynthesis (make some of its own food). It is an evergreen plant and is very obvious in leafless trees during the winter. The American mistletoe (Phoradendron) is the mistletoe commonly used as a Christmas decoration and is native to North America. It is common throughout the southern United States and can be found in a few southeast Kansas counties. The European mistletoe (Viscum) is a green shrub with small, yellow flowers and white, sticky berries which are considered poisonous.
Mistletoe seed is spread by birds, either through their droppings left on a branch (which, incidentally, is what the name means), or by eating the flesh and leaving the sticky seeds behind. Like most parasitic plants, mistletoe can cause decline or death in its host plant. However, mistletoe is not always considered undesirable. Because of the berries and dense, evergreen branches, it is a good plant for wildlife. Many species of birds rely on the plant for food and shelter, and greater diversity of wildlife is found near in areas of higher mistletoe densities.
In the Middle Ages and later, branches of mistletoe were hung from ceilings to ward off evil spirits. In Europe they were placed over house and stable doors to prevent the entrance of witches. In parts of England and Wales farmers would give a bunch of mistletoe to the first cow that calved in the New Year. This was thought to bring good luck to the entire herd. In Scandinavia, mistletoe was considered a plant of peace, and should enemies meet beneath it in the forest, they would lay down their arms and call a truce for a day. Not only did enemies call truces under this plant, but fighting spouses would also kiss and make-up.
The act of friendship seems to have evolved into the delightful custom of kissing under mistletoe strategically located in doorways, on chandeliers or in other centrally located places. This custom calls for any woman standing under the mistletoe to be kissed, and a man should pluck a berry from the mistletoe when he kisses a woman, but when the last berry is gone, there should be no more kissing! Some say that those caught under the mistletoe have a better chance of catching a winter cold than of catching a mate, so be careful.
- Amy Jordan is a horticulturist with K-State Research and Extension in Lyon County.
traceygraham (Tracey Graham) says...
Another great article by Lyon County K-State Research Extension Agent Anmy Jordan.
January 7, 2012 at 8:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Brought to you by your tax dollars?
January 7, 2012 at 8:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Oh c'mon Steve.
January 8, 2012 at 6:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
What do you mean, create?
My point is, this is an extension employee posting an article in the media that can be found on wicki or any other number of web sites.
Anyone wanting to know that "Mistletoe is a hemiparasitic plant" could go on their own to the internet and find out about it. This article was almost the same as the wicki link, except the on line description had 3x more information. I was going to paste it here but it was 11,000 characters.
And you know what create?
We all could have learned what this article said, without paying a government official to do it.
I do have a problem with the extension office in general, don't think we need it period.
BUT THE ISSUE AT HAND IS the way our county will be funding the extension office, Nothing more, nothing less.
January 8, 2012 at 10:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Okay, Steve, I understand you. I just thought your were stirring the pot too hard, but then later I wondered why we all of a sudden see so many extension agent articles in the newspaper on the heels of this UNLIMITED taxing authority. I apologize.
And yes, you're right, we can all look this kind of information up online anywhere a search engine takes us. Besides, since when do we have mistletoe around here?
Uncle.
January 8, 2012 at 11:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
I don't have a problem with the extension office in general because it does offer a service. I just think it needs to stay the way it is and not go overboard getting involved with other counties with unlimited taxing authority. That's the rub, as those of us who are against this know.
For a small unit, they need to teach themselves to be more efficient, something a smaller group can do so much easier than a larger one. How much does it cost to be efficient?
As I explained on another thread, this past summer, when I asked why there were so many errors in the fair book, one of the clerks who works there blamed the errors on Groh Printing. My point is, who does the proof reading? And if Groh is doing such a lousy job, get someone else.
The extension service takes care of The Lyon County Fair which has a very good record of area participation. Both 4H and ordinary people bring in their livestock and plants and photographs and canning and baked goods and needlework and quilts and antique tractors. It doesn't cost anything to attend the fair to look at all those things either or to just wander around. They seem to work very hard at this, but they also have a large group of volunteers as well. They should learn to work smarter.
January 8, 2012 at 11:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )