1. Q. I have always associated the hanging of mistletoe in my
house with the beginning of the Christmas season -- I guess I
just enjoy sneaking up on unsuspecting individuals and giving
them a great big smooch! I have heard that mistletoe is
poisonous; is it? How could I grow some mistletoe in the trees
in my backyard? A. The word mistletoe usually brings to mind
Christmas festivities and the pleasurable results of getting
caught under the sprig of mistletoe. Mistletoe is, however, a
parasite (actually deriving its survival from another living
entity) on trees. Hackberry and live oak most frequently serve
as host trees. Mistletoe is dependent on its host tree for all
water and dissolved minerals. It is, however, a chlorophyll
containing plant which manufactures the sugars and starches
needed in its growth and development. Mistletoe stems bear
conspicuous green, leathery leaves which persist for several
seasons. Nutrients and water are supplied from an absorbing
system which develops in the bark and wood of th