Mistletoe is a plant with a long history of use in winter holiday traditions, most famously associated with the custom of kissing. It is classified as an obligate hemiparasite, meaning it must grow on a host tree to survive by drawing water and mineral nutrients from it. While many species of mistletoe are found globally, the most familiar varieties are those used for seasonal decoration in the Northern Hemisphere. The evergreen leaves and waxy white berries create a steady commercial demand for holiday decor each year.
Finding Mistletoe for the Holidays
For most people seeking mistletoe for seasonal decorating, the easiest method is to purchase commercially harvested sprigs. The availability of fresh mistletoe is highly seasonal, typically appearing in retail locations starting in late November and peaking in December. Small bunches, often packaged with a festive bow, can be found at major grocery stores, local produce markets, and garden centers.
Professional florists and specialty flower shops are reliable sources, frequently offering higher-quality, fresher cuts. These businesses sometimes source their supply from wholesale auctions, where significant volumes of the plant are sold to distributors. Online vendors also ship fresh mistletoe directly to consumers, often providing larger “kissing balls” or decorative arrangements ready to hang.
The mistletoe sold in North America is most often the native American mistletoe (Phoradendron leucarpum). The European variety (Viscum album), which is considered more traditional, is less common in the United States but may be available through specialized importers or European-style markets. Buying from commercial vendors ensures a readily available supply for holiday decor.
Where Mistletoe Grows Naturally
The American mistletoe, belonging to the genus Phoradendron, is widespread across the warmer temperate regions of the United States, extending from New Jersey to Florida and west into California. It primarily infests hardwood trees like oaks, maples, elms, sycamores, and hackberries.
The plant forms dense, rounded clumps of evergreen foliage high in the host’s canopy, making it most visible during winter when deciduous trees have lost their leaves. Seeds are dispersed by birds that eat the sticky white berries, depositing them on other branches. The seed then germinates and grows a specialized root structure called a haustorium into the host’s wood to tap into the water transport system.
The European mistletoe, Viscum album, is the species traditionally associated with holiday folklore and is native to Europe and western Asia. This species has a wide host range, but it is most frequently found growing on cultivated apple trees, poplars, and lime trees. Identifying the specific host tree can help locate natural colonies, as it prefers open environments like orchards, parklands, and churchyards where host trees receive ample sunlight.
Essential Safety and Toxicity Facts
Anyone handling mistletoe must be aware of its toxic properties. All parts of the plant, including the leaves, stems, and especially the translucent white berries, contain toxic proteins such as phoratoxins and viscumin. Ingestion by people or pets can lead to adverse health effects.
The American species is considered less toxic than its European counterpart, which has been linked to more severe poisonings in humans. Ingesting even small amounts can cause gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea. For household pets, mistletoe is a known toxin that can cause serious symptoms like a low heart rate and breathing difficulties.
Keep decorative sprigs or kissing balls well out of reach of children and all household animals. If any part of the plant is accidentally ingested, contact poison control or a veterinarian immediately for guidance. After the holiday season, dispose of the mistletoe safely to prevent accidental exposure.