Mistletoe, a hemiparasitic plant, relies on host trees for water and nutrients. It establishes itself by penetrating the bark of a suitable tree and drawing resources from its vascular system. The compatibility between mistletoe and a potential host species hinges on several factors, including bark characteristics, nutrient composition, and the host’s defense mechanisms.
Dogwood trees possess certain traits that render them less susceptible to mistletoe infestation. Their bark, while not entirely immune to penetration, presents a relatively resistant surface. Furthermore, the specific chemical composition of dogwood sap might be less appealing or even detrimental to mistletoe development. Historical observations and ecological studies confirm the relative rarity of mistletoe occurrences on dogwood trees compared to other tree species.
