TIMOTHY DALY: Despite the folklore, mistletoe can harm trees

Since most of the leaves have fallen off deciduous trees, mistletoe infestations are now visible. The plant is sometimes used in Christmas decorations. An old Christmas custom exists when two people who meet under a hanging piece of mistletoe are obliged to kiss. It began centuries ago in Scandinavian countries. When two enemies met beneath the mistletoe in a forest, they would lay down their weapons. They would not attack each other until the following day. Despite its folklore, mistletoe is a parasitic plant that is detrimental to trees.

Mistletoe plants are either male or female, with only the females producing fruit. The berries are small, sticky, and white. They appear from October to January. Birds feed on the berries and excrete the seeds on tree limbs. The birds can consume the berries without harm, but the fruit and the rest of the plant are highly toxic to people.