A-Z of Services

Mistletoe

Name	Viscum album
	In trees especially Apple, Lime, Poplar, Hawthorn, False Acacia and Oak.
	semi-parasitic evergreen shrub
	"A plants without roots or obvious sources of food, that grew above the earth and stayed green leafed when its host plant was bare" was bound to be seen as magical. The Druids revered as sacred any Oak containing mistletoe. In medieval times mistletoe could keep witches at bay, lead you to treasure and cure epilepsy. As an evergreen mistletoe symbolised eternal life and fertility. The custom of kissing under the mistletoe at Christmas time has its roots in earlier fertility beliefs and you should remove a berry after each kiss.
	up to 2m (6ft) across
	May - July
	Its white berries and its propeller like leaves.

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	Plant Type

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	Size

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	Distinguishing Features

	Poisonous

	Native or Foreign

	Please do not pick, collect or disturb this plant