Mistletoe facts – A symbol of winter and love
Mistletoe, with its evergreen foliage and iconic symbolism, occupies a unique place in British traditions. Not only does it have a place in traditional Christmas traditions, but it forms a complex relationship with its host plant.
Mistletoe is not that common, although once it takes hold in an orchard or woodland it will grow well. In other parts of Europe like Ukraine, it grows in abundance and my excitement at the number of mistletoe globes on trees by the side of the road (and the value at Christmas markets) was met with equally baffled amazement!
Why is it called mistletoe?
The etymology of the word “mistletoe” can be traced back to Old English, where “mistel” denotes “dung,” and “tan” means “twig.” This peculiar name originates from the belief that mistletoe grows from the seeds carried in bird droppings.
Mistletoe species in the UK
European mistletoe (Viscum album), is the only species of mistletoe native to the UK. Mistletoe is found in woodland areas of the UK latching onto deciduous trees, including apple, lime, poplar, and hawthorn. The mistletoe is very rarely found on oak trees. Their growth depends on the health and abundance of these host trees.
Contrary to popular belief, mistletoe’s presence rarely results in harm to host trees. Instead, it often establishes a complex, yet balanced, ecological relationship with them. Mistletoe’s growth is a distinctive blend of parasitism and photosynthesis. By attaching itself to host tree branches, it extracts vital nutrients, while continuing to photosynthesys.
The leaves are a unique shape with a curl along the length. They are often a matt green with a velvety feel. The small yellow and white flowers appear at the start of the winter with the berries forming in late winter when other berries are diminishing and the birds that rely on them are more hungry.
Mistletoe berries are small and often have a translucent appearance with a hint of colour, depending on the species. These berries are a vital component of mistletoe’s reproductive cycle, holding the potential to grow new mistletoe plants.
Best places to see mistletoe in the UK
Given mistletoe’s relationship with apple trees, hawthorn and poplar, areas where these trees are found are the best place to start looking. The most common place to see mistletoe in the UK is in the Midlands and south.
Somerset, Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and Herefordshire are ‘Cider Country’ and you will often see cider orchards with globes of mistletoe within the trees in the winter months. Other places include:
- Pennington Flash in Lancashire
- Knapp and Papermill in Worcestershire
- Bushy Park in London
How does mistletoe spread?
The life cycle of mistletoe revolves around its seeds, which are encased in sticky berries. These berries use their sticky outer layer to aid their spread. The birds, mainly mistle thrushes and blackcaps, will feed on the berries and then move to a second tree to wipe their beaks clean. The seeds stuck in the goo from the mistletoe will be rubbed into the new tree, aiding with the spread.
The birds will also eat the fleshy part of the berry while it is still attached to the plant. This means that the seeds are exposed and free to fall and settle on new trees and branches.
Mistletoe exhibits dioecious characteristics, signifying separate male and female plants. Reproduction occurs through pollen transfer, often aided by the wind, from male flowers to female flowers on separate mistletoe plants.
Can I pick mistletoe?
Mistletoe is covered by the same protection as all other wild plants in the UK through the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981, as amended). You can harvest wild mistletoe but not uproot the entire plant, however, you will always need the landowner’s permission.
Toxicity and Its Impact
Mistletoe contains compounds that can be toxic to humans when ingested. It is vital to exercise caution when handling or consuming it. The most toxic components are viscotoxin and lectin.
Pets, including cats and dogs, may also be at risk if they ingest mistletoe. The symptoms can range from mild stomach discomfort to more severe issues. Ensure it’s kept out of their reach during the festive season and seek veterinary advice even if they are not showing symptoms.
Medicinal uses and modern applications
Throughout history, mistletoe has been revered for its potential medicinal properties. It has been used for ailments ranging from reducing blood pressure to boosting the immune system. Modern science continues to investigate mistletoe’s medicinal potential, particularly in the context of cancer treatment. Some mistletoe extracts have shown promise in aiding cancer patients by improving their well-being and reducing the symptoms of chemotherapy.
Mistletoe in British folklore and myths
To the Celtic Druids who lived in Ireland and Scotland from the 1st century AD onwards, mistletoe represented vivacity (attractively lively and animated) and fertility. This significance was brought about by the berries that appeared in the depths of winter and led to the creation of the Ritual of Oak and Mistletoe.
In Norse mythology, mistletoe became a symbol of love and peace. The tale goes that the goddess Figg, lost her son, the god Baldur, to an arrow made from mistletoe. After his death, Figg wanted to make sure that mistletoe was never used as a weapon again and made it so that as long as this never happened anyone walking under the mistletoe would receive a kiss from the plant.
Why do people in England kiss under the mistletoe?
The mistletoe tradition as we know it today took its contemporary form in 18th-century England, where it found its initial footing as a widely used Christmas decoration. Characters in The Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens are described kissing under the mistletoe sparking the modern tradition. The custom at the time was that a man was able to kiss any woman underneath the mistletoe, and a berry would be picked with each kiss. It was good luck to accept and bad luck to decline.