what does mistletoe actually look like

The large clump of dark green growth is mistletoe. Mistletoe's distinctive green leaves, stems, and white berries—each with a sticky seed inside—are easily recognizable. As a small seedling, it roots into the bark and wood of a tree and makes a connection with the growing ring of the host.

Full Answer

What is the true meaning of mistletoe?

What is the true meaning of the mistletoe? Mistletoe is a plant that grows on range of trees including willow, apple and oak trees. The tradition of hanging it in the house goes back to the times of the ancient Druids. It is supposed to possess mystical powers which bring good luck to the household and wards off evil spirits.

Is Mistletoe a fungus or parasite?

The mistletoe is both a parasite of its host plant and a mutualist of the birds that feed on its berries and disperse its seeds. These birds act both as seed-dispersers and as disease vectors. Dashed arrows indicate interactions in which most other parasites differ from mistletoes. One may also ask, is Mistletoe a fungus or parasite?

What is “mistletoe” and why do we kiss under it?

The basis of the mistletoe tradition was that men were allowed to kiss any woman seen underneath mistletoe -- and refusal to accept was considered bad luck. Some are not entirely confident in the story that lies within Norse mythology, and believe that the sticky seeds that cling to the tree branches are symbolic of a kiss, never falling.

Is Mistletoe a parasitic plant?

Mistletoes are parasitic plants of the families Loranthaceae, Misodendraceae, and Santalaceae. The many species of mistletoe are slow-growing but persistent, and they are pests of many ornamental, timber, and crop trees. Some species are used as Christmas decorations.

What does actual mistletoe look like?

Hardwood true mistletoes have thick green leaves that are nearly oval in shape, contrasting with conifer true mistletoes, which have small thin leaves or are nearly leafless. The small, sticky berries are white, pink or red and are ripe from October to January, depending on the species.

How do you know real mistletoe?

Since mistletoe stays green all year round, it is pretty easy to spot in trees, once the leaves have fallen. Just look for green, round clumps in the trees. The clumps typically range from 1 to 1.5 feet across.

What is the real name for mistletoe?

Phoradendron serotinumThe plant of mistletoe has also been hung to keep away evil spirits. Scientific Name: Phoradendron serotinum (Raf.) M.C. Johnst.

Is mistletoe a fungus or parasite?

parasiteMistletoe is definitely not your typical shrub—it's a parasite that attacks living trees. Technically, mistletoes—there are over 1,000 species found throughout the world to which botanists ascribe the name—are actually hemi-parasites.

Is it illegal to pick mistletoe?

Mistletoe receives the same protection as all other wild plants in the UK through the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981, as amended). Therefore, it may not be uprooted Page 3 3 (which would include pulling down whole plants) without the permission of the landowner.

What color is real mistletoe?

Most species of mistletoe have waxy white berries. There are approximately 1300 species of the plant, and some of them have red, pink or transparent berries.

Is it safe to touch mistletoe?

Mistletoe IS poisonous, although it is doubtful as to whether it will actually cause death. All parts of the plant are toxic (that's berries, stem and leaves). The Mistletoe plant contains Phoratoxin and Viscotoxin, which are both poisonous proteins when ingested.

What does mistletoe do to humans?

Mistletoe, the popular Christmas plant, is an evergreen with small white berries. Ingestion of small amounts of the berries, leaves, or stems may result in GI symptoms, including pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Rarely, large ingestions have resulted in seizures, hypertension, and even cardiac arrest.

What happens if you don't kiss under the mistletoe?

We all know that standing under a sprig means getting a kiss, but did you also know that tradition claims “any woman under the mistletoe cannot refuse a kiss” and that “a single woman who is not kissed under the mistletoe will remain single for the next year?” Ugh, as if.

Why do we kiss under mistletoe?

According to one sunnier version of the myth, the gods were able to resurrect Baldur from the dead. Delighted, Frigg then declared mistletoe a symbol of love and vowed to plant a kiss on all those who passed beneath it.

Does mistletoe mean poop on a stick?

Ancient observations of the poop-on-a-stick origins of the plant led to its name "mistletoe," or mistiltan in Old English, derived from the Anglo-Saxon words mistel, meaning "dung," and tan, meaning "twig." Mistletoe has been part of European winter traditions since long before the first Christmas.

Can mistletoe grow on any tree?

Mistletoe won't grow on all tree species. The main hosts are apple, hawthorn, lime and poplar, although maples, willows, plums and rowans may also be suitable. In fact, most trees and shrubs of the rose family (Rosaceae) may be suitable.

Is real mistletoe poisonous?

The thing you've been hanging from your eves every holiday season can actually poison you if ingested. Mistletoe isn't known to kill humans, but it can cause drowsiness, blurred vision, vomiting, and even seizures.

How long does real mistletoe last?

Mistletoe in the Bedroom And the pretty sprigs will last as a holiday decoration for a good two to three weeks.

What part of mistletoe is poisonous?

Is Mistletoe Poisonous? Mistletoe IS poisonous, although it is doubtful as to whether it will actually cause death. All parts of the plant are toxic (that's berries, stem and leaves). The Mistletoe plant contains Phoratoxin and Viscotoxin, which are both poisonous proteins when ingested.

What happens if you don't kiss under the mistletoe?

We all know that standing under a sprig means getting a kiss, but did you also know that tradition claims “any woman under the mistletoe cannot refuse a kiss” and that “a single woman who is not kissed under the mistletoe will remain single for the next year?” Ugh, as if.

What is mistletoe in science?

Not to be confused with witch's broom, which is a growth of the host plant's own tissue, rather than a parasite in itself. Not to be confused with the Mistel, the translation of a composite aircraft.

Where does mistletoe come from?

The name mistletoe originally referred to the species Viscum album (European mistletoe, of the family Santalaceae in the order Santalales); it is the only species native to the British Isles and much of Europe. A separate species, Viscum cruciatum, occurs in Southwest Spain and Southern Portugal, as well as in Morocco in North Africa ...

What is mistletoe in apple trees?

Mistletoe in an apple tree. Mistletoe is the common name for obligate hemiparasitic plants in the order Santalales. They are attached to their host tree or shrub by a structure called the haustorium, through which they extract water and nutrients from the host plant. The name mistletoe originally referred to the species Viscum album ...

How many species of mistletoe are there in Australia?

Subtropical and tropical climates have markedly more mistletoe species; Australia has 85, of which 71 are in Loranthaceae, and 14 in Santalaceae.

How many berries does mistletoe have?

The Eastern mistletoe of North America is similar, but has shorter, broader leaves and longer clusters of 10 or more berries. The eastern mistletoe native to North America, ...

Why is mistletoe a symbol of peace?

Some versions of the story have mistletoe becoming a symbol of peace and friendship to compensate for its part in the murder. The Romans associated mistletoe with peace, love and understanding and hung it over doorways to protect the household. Hanging mistletoe was part of the Saturnalia festival.

Why do people kiss under mistletoe?

In the Christian era, mistletoe in the Western world became associated with Christmas as a decoration under which lovers are expected to kiss, as well as with protection from witches and demons . Mistletoe continued to be associated with fertility and vitality through the Middle Ages, and by the 18th century it had also become incorporated into Christmas celebrations around the world. The custom of kissing under the mistletoe is referred to as popular among servants in late 18th-century England.

Why is mistletoe used as a symbol?

Often used as a symbol of renewal because it stays green all winter, mistletoe is famed for its stolen-kisses power. But the plant also is important to wildlife, and it may have critical value for humans, too. Extracts from mistletoe—newly used in Europe to combat colon cancer, the second greatest cause of cancer death in Europe and ...

What do mistletoes eat?

The adults of all three species feed on mistletoe nectar, as do some species of native bees. The mistletoe’s white berries are toxic to humans but are favored during autumn and winter—when other foods are scarce—by mammals ranging from deer and elk to squirrels, chipmunks and porcupines.

How do mistletoes produce energy?

Mistletoes also can produce energy through photosynthesis in their green leaves. As they mature, mistletoes grow into thick, often rounded masses of branches and stems until they look like baskets, sometimes called “ witches’ brooms, ” which can reach 5-feet wide and weigh 50 pounds. Trees infested with mistletoe die early because ...

How many mistletoes are there in the world?

There are 1,300 mistletoe species worldwide. The continental United States and Canada are home to more than 30 species, and Hawaii harbors another six. Globally, more than 20 mistletoe species are endangered. All mistletoes grow as parasites on the branches of trees and shrubs.

How fast does mistletoe explode?

The ripe white berries of dwarf mistletoe, native to the western United States and Canada, also can explode, ejecting seeds at an initial average speed of 60 miles per hour and scattering them as far as 50 feet.

Why do mistletoe trees die?

Trees infested with mistletoe die early because of the parasitic growth, producing dead trees useful to nesting birds and mammals. A mistletoe-infested forest may produce three times more cavity-nesting birds than a forest lacking mistletoe.

Is mistletoe good for colon cancer?

Extracts from mistletoe—newly used in Europe to combat colon cancer, the second greatest cause of cancer death in Europe and the Americas—show signs of being more effective against cancer, and less toxic to humans, than standard chemotherapy.

1. It's A Parasite

Mistletoe grows on host trees. It's got chlorophyll, so it pulls some of its own weight — but it also saps water and nutrients from the tree it grows on.

2. It Doesn't Have A Scent

Around the holidays, candles and other items are marketed as "mistletoe" scented, but the plant has no smell to speak of. It's all a lie!

3. It Was Once Used To Trap Birds

The white berries that make mistletoe so pretty have an incredibly sticky juice inside.

4. It's Been Used To Treat Epilepsy And Cancer

Mistletoe has been used throughout history as a treatment for epilepsy and other ailments, which earned it a reputation as a valuable healing herb in ancient times.

5. It's Traditionally Gathered With A Shotgun

Most likely, it's because this was the easiest way to get mistletoe out of high branches.

6. It Was Used To Keep Away Witches

During the Middle Ages in Europe, people tacked sprigs of mistletoe over the doors to their homes and barns.

7. There Was A Gathering Ritual For It In Ancient Times

Before the invention of shotguns, druids in the British Isles had a whole ritual for gathering this plant, which they held sacred.

What is the green clump of mistletoe?

The large clump of dark green growth is mistletoe. Mistletoe's distinctive green leaves, stems, and white berries—each with a sticky seed inside—are easily recognizable. As a small seedling, it roots into the bark and wood of a tree and makes a connection with the growing ring of the host. Although mistletoe makes its own food, it steals water ...

What does mistletoe symbolize?

Its evergreen leaves symbolized the promise of spring's return. In Scandinavian mythology, mistletoe was a symbol of peace. These traditions and beliefs were adapted by the English and French, giving us the holiday custom of kissing under mistletoe bunches.

How to keep mistletoe from cutting?

Once you have cut mistletoe out of the trees in your yard, consider making holiday decorations from the pruning. Refrigerating fresh cut sprigs will help keep them fresh until you are ready to prepare them for decorative use. Use thin florist wire to wrap the ends of short mistletoe cuttings.

Why is mistletoe considered a holy plant?

In ancient times, Celtic Druids believed that mistletoe was a holy plant because it rooted closer to heaven than any other plant.

When to apply ethephon to mistletoe?

A specialized growth regulating chemical called Ethephon can be applied to the mistletoe when the host tree is dormant, usually from December to early February. If applied while the tree is actively growing, Ethephon will damage the tree.

Where does mistletoe grow?

The American or oak mistletoe ( Phoradendron serotinum) only grows in deciduous trees, which shed their leaves annually. In Florida, mistletoe is most commonly found in laurel oaks. Other known hosts include elms, hackberries, sycamores, and wild cherry trees. Mistletoe is also the only food source for the larva of the great purple hairstreak ...

Does mistletoe damage trees?

Removal & Control. Because of its parasitic nature, mistletoe can weaken or destroy the trees it infests, especially if the tree has been compromised by pests, storms, or old age. Removing mistletoe may help revive the tree. There are two common removal methods, neither of which is easy.

How to use mistletoe?

The safest way to use mistletoe is under the care of an experienced herbalist or doctor. An herbalist might first test your reaction to a small dose by monitoring your pulse before and after. If your pulse begins to weaken and become more irregular, you know mistletoe is not a good herb for you to take.

How many types of mistletoe are there?

It’s a little known fact that there is actually more than one type of mistletoe; in fact, it’s believed over 100 different mistletoe species grow around the world. A few of these are commonly harvested for their medicinal purposes.

What is mistletoe used for?

Mistletoe can be used for bathing. You can also apply it to the skin to help treat varicose veins, ulcers on the lower legs and eczema. Some also believe that it has pain-killing properties and can be used to help treat joint pain (rheumatic and neuralgic pains) when it’s rubbed into the skin. 4.

How effective is mistletoe?

The effectiveness of mistletoe injections depends on the exact type of extract being used. Products can vary considerably, since many factors affect the quality of the extract. These include the type of host tree, the exact species, how the extract is gathered and the time of year the plant is picked.

Where did the kissing under the mistletoe tradition originate?

Other sources claim that this tradition started in England in churches. Records show that it first became a symbol of romance during the times of ancient Norse mythology, practiced by North Germanic/Scandinavian people in the 17th and 18th century. The custom of kissing beneath the mistletoe then spread to British servants and throughout England. Refusing to kiss someone beneath mistletoe was associated with bad luck, as were mistletoe plants that lost of their berries.

Where is mistletoe grown?

Mistletoe plants are grown around the world, distributed across Europe, America, Asia and Africa to Australia and New Zealand. Once dried and made into an extract, it is typically given as an injection. It can, however, also be taken by mouth as a capsule/supplement and consumed as a tea/tincture.

Is mistletoe poisonous?

This is one reason why mistletoe has earned a reputation as being “poisonous.”. Some of the most recognized species include: Viscum, Phoradendron, Arceuthobium, Peraxilla, Loranthus, Amylotheca, Amyema, Taxillus, Psittacanthus and Scurrula.

What is mistletoe plant?

Mistletoe (Viscum album) is a member of the Viscaceae plant family. European mistletoe (Viscum album) is harvested for its leaves, stems, and berries to make herbal extracts, teas, and injections. Health benefits that have been attributed to mistletoe include improving cardiovascular health, relieving stress and anxiety, ...

How many species of mistletoe are there?

Mistletoe is more than just a symbolic token of the winter holiday season. There are more than 1,300 identified species of mistletoe throughout the world, and European mistletoe has been used for centuries for its health benefits.

Why do we use mistletoe tinctures?

10  Humans have been using mistletoe tinctures for hundreds of years to help reduce inflammation both in and outside of the body. 11 

Is mistletoe a prescription drug?

There are mistletoe dietary supplements and homeopathic remedies available at health food stores and online, but most scientific research has focused on injected forms of mistletoe that are not approved as prescription medications in the United States. Safety Tips for Nutritional Supplements.

Does mistletoe cause dizziness?

When used in the recommended amounts, mistletoe is rarely associated with side effects. Possible side effects—generally experienced when the dosage is too high—include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure or dizziness.

Does mistletoe help with anxiety?

Mistletoe may have actions that help calm anxiety. 1  Studies suggest that mistletoe can be effective for reducing depression and anxiety in cancer patients. 2 

Does mistletoe interact with medications?

Mistletoe may interact with many medications, including anticoagulants, antidepressants, and medications used for treating heart disease or high blood pressure.

What is mistletoe plant?

What is Mistletoe? Mistletoe is a hemiparasitic plant that grows on a wide variety of host trees such as pine, oak, birch, and apple. The term hemiparasitic is used to indicate that the mistletoe plant carries out photosynthesis independently but obtains water and minerals from the host.

How long does mistletoe ferment?

Swiss and German clinics were founded to implement this idea and still actively use a mistletoe preparation fermented with a strain of Lactobacillus for 3 days. Mistletoe extracts contain several toxic proteins, several of which are lectins, or proteins capable of binding to specific sugars.

Can mistletoe berries cause toxicity?

Poison centers report toxicity of the whole plant, but especially mistletoe berries. The use of preparations standardized to small doses of ML-Ι or depleted of lectins may reduce toxicity.

Is mistletoe good for cancer?

General uses. Mistletoe has been used to treat cancer, although there is a lack of quality clinical trials and no evidence of an effect. Most evidence is ancedotal and based on case reports. Further study is needed.

Is mistletoe bad for you?

Mistletoe contains toxic constituents. Avoid use during pregnancy or lactation.

Is mistletoe anthroposophical?

Mistletoe preparations, produced according to anthroposophical methods, are given in incrementally increasing dosages depending on the patient's general condition and response to the injection. Use in pediatric patients has been reported. The pharmacokinetics in healthy adults has been determined.

What does mistletoe mean?

The original name was "mistaltan," where "mistal" comes from the Anglo-Saxon word for "dung," and "tan" means "twig.". Basically, mistletoe means "dung on a twig.". But, you know, keep making out under it or whatever.

What is mistletoe translation?

The translation of "mistletoe" is kind of gross. Philipp Guelland/Getty Images News/Getty Images. Since most people associate mistletoe with kissing and festive holiday gatherings, you probably don't want to know the etymology of the plant's name.

What is the role of mistletoe in Norse mythology?

Image: Pixabay. Speaking of storied history, one of the most prominent stories surrounding mistletoe is the Norse story of Balder. Balder was the son of Odin and Frigg, and, like any mother, Frigg worried about her son getting hurt.

Why do we hang mistletoe over doorways?

Have you ever wondered why we hang mistletoe over doorways around Christmas time — besides the weird/gross tradition of forcing two people to kiss underneath it? Well, in medieval times, mistletoe was hung year-round to keep witches and ghosts from entering the house. Actually, mistletoe has a storied history, particularly with the Druid and Norse peoples, and was thought to ward off everything from infertility to fires.

Why do people hang mistletoe on door frames?

It’s mostly hung over door frames in order to try and force two people (who might not even be together) to kiss underneath — but as these weird mistletoe facts prove, that’s not even the strangest thing about this festive plant.

How many different types of mistletoe are there?

Mistletoe actually has a bunch of different names. There are more than a thousand different types of mistletoe, and the plants grow all over the world in a variety of climates, including the desert. So, needless to say, mistletoe isn’t the only thing it’s been called over the years.

Does mistletoe kill cancer?

As I mentioned, mistletoe acts a bit like cancer as it spreads through a plant’s cells — and it’s been used to treat cancer in humans for years. The use of mistletoe as an alternative cancer therapy is mostly used in the UK and in Europe, and it’s not an FDA-approved method in the United States. Despite some harmful side effects, injections of mistletoe have been shown to kill cancer cells in a laboratory setting, and help to decrease the after effects of standard cancer treatments.

Overview

Etymology

Groups

Life cycle

Toxicity

Ecological importance

Cultural references

See also