Wild Mistletoe: A Parasite Called a Kissing Plant for the Holidays But Named From Bird Poop

Mistletoe may symbolize romantic holiday spirit when hung over a doorway, but this kissing plant is an unwelcome intruder to trees. According to Futurity, their name originated from the Old English for twig and dung, which opens the question of how it became associated with Christmas.

Mistletoe is a Small Parasitic Plant

Horticulturist Allison Watkins said that mistletoe is a hemiparasite plant that makes its food from photosynthesis but grows its roots into the host tree, sucking water and minerals. That means wild mistletoe growing in some trees acts as a parasite and can survive as long as its host. Some mistletoe today are still alive even after a hundred years because of their host.

As per Smithsonian Magazine, there are over 1,000 species found around the world which evolved to plant themselves on trees. The species most commonly associated with European mythologies are typically found in large trees, like oaks.

The mistletoe plants its roots into the cambium layer of the bark, where it gets nutrients and water, slowly weakening the tree. A mature tree can withstand a small mistletoe but can eventually die when it spreads profusely. But experts say mistletoe does not take out whole forests like other invasive species.

Ecologists view this plant as an important part of a healthy ecosystem as they are a major food source for birds, and as dense foliage useful for nesting, according to the National Wildlife Federation. This plant reproduces by seeds, which also evolved to keep its seeds from falling to the ground, where they can not sprout, develop, and mature.

How Are Mistletoe Became Associated With Christmas?

The article in Smithsonian Magazine reveals that mistletoe was not originally part of the holidays. It was revered by ancient cultures, especially the famous legends concerning the Norse god Baldur. The god was considered invincible until some assailant killed him with an arrow made from mistletoe.

Druids would usually sacrifice two white bulls and fetch some mistletoe from an oak to make an elixir to cure infertility, as believed in an ancient Celtic ceremony. This is the origin of the association between mistletoe, love, and romance.

Then the association with fertility and ritual slowly morphed into the modern Christmas tradition, which might make sense to make it as decor during the barren winter months.

Do Not Eat Mistletoe Berries

Birds usually eat mistletoe berries and then spread their seed to another tree through their poop. Sometimes, the seeds hitchhike on their feet and beaks. Certain species of mistletoe also shoot their seeds at speeds of about 60 mph after the berries burst like an overfilled water balloon.

However, some species can also be poisonous, so it is advised always to handle the plant with care. Different parts of the plant and species have varying toxicity levels, and it is not something humans and pets should ingest.

As per Futurity, mistletoe is easily spotted during winter when trees lose their leaves and reveal clusters of evergreen mistletoe. They could reach a diameter of several feet across, which makes them easier to see in branches of mature trees.