City tree of month showcases mistletoe

By Gianna Forbis

The March Tree of the Month recognized by the North Myrtle Beach Tree Board is found at 706 Fourteenth Avenue South in front of Trinity United Methodist Church.

While we are finishing up winter weather and anticipating spring blooms and new leaves, we see many bare deciduous trees such as oak, elm and maple with mistletoe growing on the branches.

Mistletoe is a hemi-parasite because it sends out roots into the tree to draw nutrients and water but also produces energy through photosynthesis in its green leaves.

The white berries are toxic to humans but edible by many wildlife mammals and birds. Mistletoe is a native species in South Carolina and is not considered a serious threat to the health of a tree or forest.