Mistletoe is a semi-parasitic plant recognized for its association with winter holidays, though the color of its berries is not uniform across all species. Whether mistletoe has red berries depends on the specific plant species and its geographic location. While the most culturally significant type is known for its translucent white berries, several other varieties exist globally that produce fruits in shades of yellow, pink, or red. This color variation dictates the plant’s appearance, habitat, and toxicity.
The Standard: White-Berried Mistletoe
The mistletoe most commonly linked to Western holiday traditions is Viscum album, or European Mistletoe, which is native to the British Isles and much of Europe. This plant is characterized by its smooth-edged, oval, evergreen leaves and clusters of waxy, white berries. Viscum album grows as a spherical shrub on the branches of host trees, such as apple trees or poplars. The distinctive white berries are typically found in small clusters of two to six, establishing the white berry as the cultural standard.
Identifying Red-Berried Varieties
Red-berried mistletoe species exist outside the typical European variety. One notable example is Viscum cruciatum, found in Southwest Spain, Southern Portugal, and parts of North Africa, which produces red fruits instead of white. This confirms that the genus Viscum yields berries in varying colors based on the species and environment.
In the Americas, the genus Phoradendron contains American Mistletoe species, such as Phoradendron serotinum or Phoradendron leucarpum. While the common decorative varieties typically have white, yellow, or pinkish berries, the genus as a whole produces berries in white, yellow, orange, or red when mature. Red or reddish-pink varieties are generally found in tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas.
The Parasitic Nature and Toxicity
Mistletoes are classified as obligate hemiparasitic plants, meaning they must grow on a host tree to survive, though they retain the ability to perform some photosynthesis. They draw water and nutrients from the host plant by inserting a specialized structure called a haustorium into the host’s tissue. This parasitic nature can negatively affect the host tree by reducing its water and nutrient budget, especially during periods of drought.
Mistletoe berries and leaves contain toxic compounds that pose a health risk to humans and pets. The European species, Viscum album, is considered more toxic than the American variety, Phoradendron serotinum, due to the presence of the toxin viscumin. Viscumin is a ribosome-inactivating protein that can cause cell death if ingested in large quantities.
American Mistletoe contains phoratoxins, which typically cause less severe symptoms upon ingestion, such as mild gastrointestinal irritation, vomiting, or diarrhea. However, all parts of the plant, including both the white and red berries, should be considered poisonous. Ingestion of a large amount of any mistletoe can lead to serious complications, including changes in heart rate and seizures.