PLANT OF THE MONTH: Mistletoe

Latin name: Viscum album (can translate as white goo!)

Common name: Churchman’s Greeting, Kiss-and-go, Masslin, Misle and Mislin-Bush.

Habitat: Native to the UK, lives in the canopies of broadleaf trees and apple trees. Mistletoe is relatively common but declining as more and more established orchards are cut down. With climate change it is thought to be on the move from its traditional counties on the English Welsh border and in the South of England. 

The Tree Council is running a citizen science project to try and get more data on this. You can take part here. 

Appearance: Oval, evergreen leaves which grow in pairs; small, white flowers (February – April) made up of four tiny petals, in clusters; waxy,  white berries in clusters of two to six. Seeds are coated in a sticky substance which sticks to the beaks of birds feeding on the fruit.

Mistletoe is dioecious meaning male and female flowers are produced on separate plants. It grows in spherical mass up to 1m across. All parts of the plant are poisonous to people. Ecology: Mistletoe is hemi-parasitic: it attaches itself to the branches of host trees—most commonly apple, poplar, lime, and hawthorn—and draws water and nutrients while also photosynthesising for itself. Its presence is a sign of a healthy, mature orchard or woodland.

Mistletoe’s berries ripen over winter, providing a vital food source for birds such as the mistle thrush, redwing, fieldfare and woodpeckers. These birds are essential for mistletoe’s reproduction: distributing the sticky seeds on their beaks, feet and in their poo. Once on a branch, the gluey pulp around the seed hardens and fastens the seed in place. As the new mistletoe plant grows, the roots penetrate the bark. Folklore, Traditions and Uses : Ancient Druids considered mistletoe sacred, especially when found on oak trees—a rare occurrence. It was believed mistletoe possessed mystical powers, symbolising life and fertility due to its ability to thrive in the winter months. Mistletoe was used in rituals for protection, healing, and to bring good luck. 

The tradition of kissing under the mistletoe is thought to have originated in the 18th century. According to custom, a berry should be picked from the sprig with each kiss. This practice is said to bring romance, luck, and harmony during the festive season.

Mistletoe contains an anti-spasmodic compound and is said to be useful in the treatment of epilepsy. 

Sources: NBNPlantlifeWoodlandtrust