Viscum album aka Mistletoe

Viscum album, or mistletoe, is an evergreen shrub. It belongs to the Santalaceae family. Its native range spans Europe to Lebanon and Nepal. It also includes northeastern Algeria. The plant is native to Britain and Ireland. It grows at scattered sites across much of England. In Britain, its main stronghold lies around the southwest Midlands and southern Welsh borders. It is rare elsewhere in Wales, Scotland and Ireland.

This woody plant grows on tree branches, not in soil. It forms round clumps. These stand out most when host trees lose their leaves. Garden plants reach about 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre] tall and wide. They take five to ten years to reach full size. Its stems fork and bear pairs of yellow-green leaves. The leaves stay on through winter. Mistletoe is a hemiparasite. This means it draws water and nutrients from its host. Its green leaves also make food through photosynthesis.

Small flowers with a yellow tint bloom in spring. Female plants then grow round white berries. Birds eat the fruit and spread seeds to other branches. Blackcaps wipe sticky seeds from their beaks onto wood. Thrushes swallow whole berries, then pass the seeds. These acts help mistletoe reach new spots in tree crowns. The green clumps add interest in winter. The fruit feeds birds. The RHS also lists it for cut displays.

Grow mistletoe on a suitable host in sun or partial shade. It often grows on apple, lime, hawthorn and poplar. Many other tree species can host it too. The RHS gives it hardiness rating H6. PFAF lists USDA zones 6–9. To start plants, press seeds onto young host branches. Use the seeds' own sticky pulp. You need not cut or lift the bark. Seed leaves may show within weeks. Leafy shoots can take three years or more to grow. Plants need no routine pruning once they take hold. The RHS reports few pest or disease problems.

Treat mistletoe as harmful to people and pets if eaten. PFAF lists ripe fruit as edible. Yet it also warns that all parts are poisonous. These claims clash, so do not present it as safe food. PFAF describes uses as medicine but warns of serious poisoning risks. It also notes that mistletoe can interact with drugs. It warns against use during pregnancy. Reports of medical uses do not prove safe home use. The RHS advises gloves and protective gear when handling it.