Mistletoe, with its white berries and evergreen leaves, is a cherished symbol of holiday romance, driving annual consumer interest in sourcing fresh sprigs. This hemiparasitic plant, traditionally hung in doorways, is sought after for its ancient association with peace, life, and the festive custom of kissing. Finding this specific holiday greenery requires knowing the limited timeframe for its availability and the specialized sources that stock it. The plant’s popularity is tied to its historical significance, linking ancient Druid reverence for its winter greenness to the modern tradition of seasonal decoration.
Seasonal Availability and Timing
Mistletoe’s commercial availability is tightly restricted, generally beginning in late November and peaking through December. This short window aligns with the traditional winter holiday season when the American variety, Phoradendron leucarpum, is harvested from its host trees. The plant is typically collected from the canopies of deciduous trees, such as hickory and oak, after they have dropped their leaves, making the clumps visible and easier to reach. Buying early in the season is recommended to secure the freshest pieces, especially those with intact white berries, which are a highly desired decorative feature. Since mistletoe is perishable, the bulk of the domestic supply is harvested from the southern and eastern United States, particularly from states like Oklahoma and Texas.
Physical Retailers and Local Sources
The most immediate places to find fresh mistletoe are local brick-and-mortar retailers that specialize in seasonal items and fresh greenery. Local florists and independent garden centers are reliable options, as they often receive shipments of fresh-cut greenery for holiday arrangements. These small businesses usually offer higher quality, hand-selected bunches that may be tied with festive ribbon or prepared for hanging. Large grocery store chains and mass merchandisers also carry pre-packaged mistletoe bunches in their floral or produce sections, especially in the weeks leading up to Christmas. While these options offer convenience and lower cost, the quality and freshness can be more variable compared to specialized florists.
Online Vendors and Mail Order Options
For those unable to find fresh sprigs locally, online vendors and mail-order options provide a practical alternative. Specialized holiday greenery suppliers and dedicated mistletoe farmers sell directly to consumers, often shipping bunches that have been freshly cut to order. Large e-commerce platforms, including sites like Etsy and Amazon, also feature numerous sellers offering fresh-cut mistletoe. When ordering online, it is important to factor in shipping costs and transit time, as mistletoe is perishable and benefits from expedited shipping to maintain its appearance. Some vendors also offer kissing balls or large bunches, providing a greater volume of greenery than is typically available in a single retail store package.
A Critical Note on Handling and Toxicity
When purchasing and displaying mistletoe, it is important to recognize the significant difference in toxicity between the two major types. The American mistletoe (Phoradendron leucarpum), which is commonly sold in the United States, contains toxic proteins called phoratoxins. Ingestion of small amounts of the American variety typically results only in mild gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea and vomiting. However, the European mistletoe (Viscum album) is considered substantially more hazardous, containing highly toxic compounds like viscotoxins and lectins. These compounds can interfere with protein synthesis and, in concentrated doses, pose risks of severe cardiac and neurologic effects. Because both varieties may be sold, and it is not always clear which one a retailer carries, all mistletoe should be treated with caution and displayed well out of reach of children and pets.