Mistletoe shortage means many may get the kiss off this year

December 14, 2011 · Posted in Uncategorized 

Diane Alter – AHN News Reporter

New York, NY, United States (AHN) – Shortages of mistletoe means many may just get a kiss-off this holiday season.

The traditional holiday decoration is in short supply this year in the United States, devastated by the drought in Texas. In England, Britons cannot get their hands on any coveted locally grown sprigs due to an oversupply from France.

Both the quality and quantity of this year’s mistletoe harvest have taken a hit. Many retailers have simply decided not to stock the green sprig than to sell inferior supply, even if they could even get any.

Mistletoe is a parasitic shrub that grows on trees. If it is allowed to grow unchecked, it can destroy the host tree. It thrives in tropical and subtropical forests.

There are more than 900 species worldwide, but only two are indigenous to North America, including the plant commonly used at Christmas time. These plants are generally found in the South, Southwest and southern East Coast. In England it is widely cultivated and even exists as the county flower in Herefordshire.

Since mistletoe is not a big part of florists’ sales, the mistletoe shortage snuck up on people. While small in number, those who purchase the plant year after year are loyal and ardent.

Some retailers are turning to alternatives such as virtual mistletoe and greeting cards called “bearer-redeemable mistletoe cards.”

So, don’t kiss goodbye the idea of a smooch under the mistletoe just yet.



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