Mistletoe

[taryn]

Hello

During today's walk in a forest I came across a pine branch lying on the ground with a huge sprig of Mistletoe growing out of it - it must be a fair age.
Probably it's a lost cause, but I can't help but wonder whether there is any chance of keeping the Mistletoe alive. Am I right in assuming it can only survive if it's attached to a live tree?
Anyway, hope dies last, right?

Many thanks for your advice and bright blessings

Sandra

[Lily]

sorry, there's no way. You can try cutting off hte plant from its base and keeping it in water for a while. you can try to sow the berries onto another tree.

you can keep some of the dried branches for decoration or for using in magic or in incense...

[taryn]

Thanks Lily, that's good to know! Unfortunately there are no more berries left, so I will probably just leave it attached to the branch as it looks pretty unique! Hopefully I'll get to enjoy it that way for a little longer.
Maybe one day it might be worth a try to actually grow some by implanting some seeds. But my new baby tree in the garden will need a decent head start first...!

[merryb]

Hi tTryn
How strange an encounter - it may have been the weight of the mistletoe that broke the branch. I should imagine it will look amazing as it dries. You could use it in a dead hedge - you weave dead tree stumps, branches,twigs into a hedge which is a haven for slow worms frogs, inscets, bumble bees, lady birds.............. Your mistletoe branch would look wonderful across the top making it a magic hedge.

One of my projects for this year was to sow mistletoe - which I did in February following all the advice given to me by people on the message board. It was planted on a mature apple tree on the edge of my friend's plot.

In their wisdom the council workers while clearing the empty plot next door cut the apple tree down. A beautiful tree and our project for mistletoe came crashing to the ground.

Such is life.
with blessing
merryb

[wyeuro]

trees shed branches with mistletoe on them when they get to be too much of a burden. so take it as a gift. dry it in the position you want to hang it in in a dim, airy place allowing several days until it dries completely. then it will hang happily for a year or so, deteriorating slowly without losing its beauty. of course, it's not as beautiful as the living plant, but can be a beautiful magical decoration overhanging a shrine or similar in a quiet corner somewhere. it keeps away harm and attracts good, repels what doesn't need you and draws to you what does need you.
wyverne/|\

[Huathe]

It would make a wonderful decoration for ones druidspace!

[Susanne]

I'd love to start some mistletoe in my apple trees but I'm not sure how to go about it. I'm not even sure if would be available in the US or hardy in my area.
Any thoughts would be appreciated!
Sue

[merryb]

I had all the instructions for growing mistletoe and I got good advice from members of the board.
I will have a look for them and post them for you. If you can grow apple trees I should imagine you can grow mistletoe. The best time to sow it is in February. I will get back to you before then!

With best wishes
MerryB

[taryn]

Many thanks for your input and ideas merryb and wyeuro! I love the idea of making a magic hedge - all the wildlife in the garden would definitely appreciate that aswell! I will definitely treasure this gift and am greatful it has sparked this fascination with mistletoe! Venturing into the forest is never just a simple outing... Beautiful to know there is all that mystery and inspiration awaiting us there!

[Beorthwulf]

I've managed to get some mistletoe to grow on an apple tree in the garden at home...It wasn't easy! I had yto cut a small notch in the tree then place the mistletoe in it and cover it with damp rags untill it took. It's greafted well and growing brilliantly!! time and perseverence all thats required. Oh and some live mistletoe ofcourse!

[deepwater]

Live mistletoe can be found all over De,,getting it down is not so easy