Lifestyles & Community
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Mistletoe: Tree thief, holiday tradition
Once autumn leaves have fallen, mistletoe becomes highly visible on large trees throughout Kentucky. Phoradendron, the scientific name for this parasitic plant, means tree thief. You commonly can find these small leafy plants on twigs and branches of many hardwood species in the southern two-thirds of the United States. Mistletoes extract water, mineral elements and food from their host tree by way of a parasite nutrient-uptake organ; hence the name, tree thief.
Mistletoes’ use in holiday traditions has roots in pagan times. Its parasitic nature and the fact that it appears to be alive while the host tree appears dead, led some to believe mistletoe mysteriously held the life of the tree during winter. Druids harvested mistletoe in a special rite, never letting the plant touch the ground, then hung it in their homes for good luck.
Our modern-day mistletoe holiday tradition likely originates with a mythological Norse goddess of love and beauty. Frigga, whose son was restored from possible death by mistletoe, was thought to bestow a kiss on anyone walking beneath one. Today, when two people meet under the mistletoe, tradition suggests they must exchange a kiss for good luck.
Phoradendron, the most common mistletoe growing in Kentucky, resembles another species that grows in Europe. It has simple, fleshy green leaves arranged oppositely on the stem. Stems are short and more branched than the host tree, so mistletoe often appears as a spherical bunch of dense vegetation. These bunches may be a foot or two in diameter and are located high in the tree for better sunlight exposure. Mistletoe berries range from white to straw-colored to light red. Birds eat the fruits, reportedly toxic to human and animals, then deposit the seeds onto branches where they germinate and penetrate the host tree.
Since birds tend to roost in open-grown trees, mistletoes do not appear as frequently in forest trees. Generally, they do not cause much damage, although they can be harmful to a tree already under stress. If mistletoe appears on landscape trees or other trees in the urban forest, you can control it through pruning. For more information about tree parasites and diseases, call the Madison Cooperative Extension Service at 623-4072.
(Source: John Hartman, Plant Pathology Professor)
Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin.
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God comforts us in the midst of trials
“May the God of all grace, who called us to eternal glory by Christ Jesus, perfect, establish, strengthen and settle you.” (Peter 5:10)
A father who truly loves his child will discipline him so that the child can become all that he is intended to be. God, as our heavenly father, is no different, and in the midst of suffering or trial, we are encouraged to see God’s gracious hand at work refining and preparing us to be vessels for his glory. -
CPH-45 sale dates set
We have set the sale dates for the 2010-2011 CPH-45 sale season. They are Tuesday, Dec. 7 at 6 p.m. and Feb. 1 at 6 p.m.
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Cover crops for your garden
Your garden has done a great job of feeding you this season, why not return the favor?
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Extension homemakers beginning a new year
September marks the beginning of a new year for Madison County Extension Homemakers. If you are not familiar with this organization, you will be surprised by all the opportunities they offer. Read on for an overview of upcoming activities, classes and clubs.
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Say good-bye to summer with ‘ethnic burgers’
The warm days of summer soon will be winding down and it’ll soon be time to think about hardier “indoor” food, like soups, stews and goodies from the oven, but there are still a few chances to have some summer fare on the grill before the chill winds of autumn give way to the gales of winter.
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Financial tips for college students
College students are back. For the next few weeks, things will be a little hectic as they settle into their routines and we adjust to the increase in local population and traffic. Be patient.
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Join us for Farm Field Day
The Madison County Cooperative Extension Service is partnering with Eastern Kentucky University for a BioEnergy Field Day on Thursday, Sept. 9 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the EKU Meadowbrook Farm.
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Steaks and chops good any old time
While most serious home cooks tend to experiment with more elaborate dishes, once in a while, there’s nothing like a good old fashioned steak or chop to satisfy the appetite.
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Free soil testing program offered
Soil testing is a very important part of most any agriculture and/or horticultural operation. It allows the producer to apply soil amendments that are needed (fertilizer, lime, micronutrients, etc.) in amounts needed for maximum crop production potential.
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Demolition of old community center to begin
Hello readers. It continues to be a beautiful morning here in Paint Lick and while I am mindful of all the things I could be doing at home, I do enjoy writing to my readers. You are my reason for “pressing on.”
Members and guests of the Paint Lick Sportsman’s Club Community Center met Monday evening at the shelter and while we were appreciative of a good bunch of quality people, it would have been nice to see some different faces in the crowd. Things are looking up with the future of not only a more pleasant atmosphere, but a much nicer place to look upon as plans to take down the old building come to a pass. We do have the blessings of a demolition and recycling company out of Lexington that will donate all their time and equipment to take down what will become just another eyesore for the town of Paint Lick. - More Lifestyles & Community Headlines
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God comforts us in the midst of trials
