Mistletoe and the Holidays
Speaking of Nature Talk
Wednesday, December 11 5:00-6:00pm
FLCC Muller Field Station, 6455 County Road 36, Honeoye
Join Dr. Shawn Kenaley, FLCC Horticulture Instructor, to learn about these remarkable plants and resolve how a tree pathogen became emblematic for Christmas cheer!
Mistletoe is familiar to most Europeans and North Americans because of its common usage in Christmas décor and yuletide songs. However, unbeknownst to most people, the term mistletoe refers to and describes a rather large and diverse group of parasitic flowering plants that most often infect the aerial parts of woody plants – coniferous and hardwood trees. Although some mistletoe species are indeed damaging pathogens, most mistletoes do not influence economically valuable crops and forest products; yet, they actually have critical roles in forest ecosystems worldwide. While the evolution, ecology, and medicinal properties of mistletoes continue to intrigue the curiosities of scientists, their mystique, folklore, and connection to Christmas are equally fascinating.
Seating is limited and reservations are required! To make a reservation, please contact Nancy Lawson at 585-785-1257 or Nancy.Lawson@flcc.edu This event is co-sponsored by Finger Lakes Community College and the Honeoye Valley Association. More information is available at www.hvaweb.org
