Friday, December 23, 2011

Missing Mistletoe?

 

Looks like another crop has taken a hit this year in Texas. Mistletoe.

The news today comes this New York Times article .
One of the country’s largest suppliers, Tiemann’s Mistletoe in Priddy, Tex., has halted shipments for the first time in its 58-year history. 

“If you have been kissed under the mistletoe and it was bought, there’s a 95 percent chance it came from us,” said Robert Tiemann, the owner. 

Now, its not that the drought has killed the mistletoe (which would be a good thing - well, not for Mr. Tiemann) but the trees are dying.  With the lack of rainfall over several years our soil moisture has severely diminished and the trees are dying from the roots up.

Not to leave you on a sad note - there is a bumper crop of the parasitic plant in the UK.  Story here.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

So sad that the trees are dying as a result of this bad, dry year. Poor guy selling it I guess too. I only ever knew two things about it until I read Toni's post, and now I learned how we get the stuff and from who! I am always amazed the positive tales that originated from such a damaging plant.

HolleyGarden said...

What a creative man to sell this parasite! I do so hope next year will not be dry. The trees that are still alive don't need any added stress.

Toni - Signature Gardens said...

Interesting "trickle down" effect of the drought.