Mistletoe: a vampire plant for kissing

    Today marks the final day of the Homegrown 12 Days of Christmas contest. String together the seven clues posted between Dec. 7 and Dec. 18 and send them in an e-mail to me by noon Monday, Dec. 21, at: cindy.hadish@gazcomm.com  

    Write “Homegrown contest” in the subject line of your e-mail and include your name and phone number, so I can reach you if you're a winner.

Find more about the contest here: http://thegazette.com/blogs/homegrown/2009/12/06/12-days-of-christmas

 Read on for some of the truth behind mistletoe, from Linn County Master Gardener, Claire Smith:

     “Don't stand under the Mistletoe with anyone else but me.”  Well, maybe that's not quite the way the song goes, but it's definitely that time of the year.  Mistletoe is commonly associated with romance and peace.  Whether you walk under it accidentally or intentionally, you'll likely find yourself getting a kiss.  Mistletoe is rich in the symbolism of harmony.  It seems to be a plant of virtue, but unfortunately, Mistletoe is a parasite of trees.  The scientific name of the holiday mistletoe, Phoradendron, means “thief of the tree” in Greek.   Mistletoe is often found in the upper branches of trees where there's plenty of sunlight for photosynthesis.

      Mistletoe plants do manufacture much of their own food, but close examination finds something missing-- roots.  Instead of roots, finger-like projections are produced that grow through the tree bark and into the branches making a connection with the water-conducting vessels of the tree.  Mistletoe absorbs the water and minerals it needs to grow and reproduce.  Because of its water siphoning ability, it's also called a vampire plant.  Mistletoe can grow on more than 100 different shade trees and evergreens.

      Mistletoe can be controlled by cutting out infected branches below the point where it's attached to the tree or by using a herbicide applied when the trees are in the dormant stage.  Though an unwelcome visitor in trees, Mistletoe is likely always to be welcomed into homes as a holiday tradition and promoter of romance, so watch where you walk.

      Isn't there another song that says something about the weather outside being frightful?  Maybe so, but snow is wonderful insulation. Let it gently cover your gardens and shrubs.

      Was it Frank Sinatra singing “Baby, it's cold outside.”?  As previously mentioned, four footed and feathered friends will appreciate ongoing sustenance of food and unfrozen water.

      As I finished my holiday shopping today, I took note that folks seem friendlier and less rushed than in Christmas' past.  Maybe a lot of us have taken a step back and will be enjoying a more laid-back attitude about shopping and feel the real reason for the season.  Anyway, I'm ready for Santa Clause to come to town.  In my case, he'll have to travel over the river and through the woods to get to Grandma's house. 

 12 Days of Christmas Clue #7 - Earth