Mistletoe

Mistletoe, common name for various parasitic plants belonging to the mistletoe family. The common European mistletoe grows on various trees, usually apples and junipers. It is an evergreen plant with small, greenish flowers and white berries. A similar mistletoe, American mistletoe, found in the United States, grows on deciduous trees, particularly red maple and elm, from eastern Texas to Florida and northward to Missouri and New Jersey.

The leafless flowering dwarf mistletoes depend entirely on the host tree for nourishment. These scrubs are lethal parasites of conifers, such as pine, spruce, fir, and hemlock. The plant leaves and berries contain toxic chemicals that can be poisonous and the plant should be kept out of reach of young children who may be tempted to eat the berries.

The common mistletoe figured significantly in the folklore and religions of pre-Christian Europe. Reputedly endowed with magical powers, it was used as a remedy for evil. It is used as a Christmas and New Year's decoration, and kissing under a branch of mistletoe is still customary.

Scientific classification: Mistletoe belongs to the family Loranthaceae. The common European mistletoe is classified as Viscum album, the American mistletoe as Phoradendron flavescens, and the dwarf mistletoe as Arceuthobium pusillum.