High Elevation Gardening Web Log "Blog"

Mistletoe is considered a parasite even though it does carry out some photosynthesis through its evergreen leaves. By robbing the host plant of nutrients, it can eventually prove fatal. However, it usually causes a reduction in the growth of its host tree or shrub.

The mistletoe of lore found in Europe is the species Viscum album. In North America a similar species is used for holiday decoration, Phoradendron leucarpum. This species grows on a wide range of trees and is spread predominantly by birds that eat the sticky berries that usually ripen in December. In the west, silky flycatchers (Phainopepla) are dependant on mistletoe berries. They spread the plant by defecating seeds from the berries on the branches where they perch. If the seeds are able to work their way into crevices in the bark, a new mistletoe plant can take root. If you have fresh mistletoe hanging in your house this Christmas, be sure to keep it indoors and dispose of it carefully in a plastic bag after the holidays to prevent spreading the parasitic plant.

We will be collecting Cory’s mistletoe from scrub oak found growing below the Mogollon rim. This mistletoe is a true mistletoe because it has developed green leaves making it a showy choice for holiday decorations. It is different from our local, leafless dwarf mistletoe that is found on ponderosa pine and other conifer species. Regardless of the species you harvest, permits are required for collecting on public lands.

Mistletoe features prominently in the legends of many cultures. It holds a mystique because it is produced by a seed but cannot be cultivated in the earth like other plants. It was revered by the Druids who collected it with a golden knife to welcome in the New Year. The Celts used it extensively in fertility rites. The French in Brittany call it Herbe de la Croix, and have held the belief that the Cross was made from mistletoe wood. The practice of two people kissing when they find themselves under a sprig of mistletoe comes from a Norse tradition that continues today.

In Norse mythology, the god Baldur was killed with a weapon made from a branch of mistletoe. His mother Frigga, the goddess of love, removed the mistletoe’s poison with her tears. When Baldur came back to life, Frigga kissed everyone who passed underneath the mistletoe.

Therefore, kissing under the mistletoe is a wonderful way for us to show that we are grateful to have our loved ones around us this holiday season.

By Rachel Edelstein
The author is the Public Programs Manager for the Arboretum at Flagstaff. For more information about the Master Gardener program, call 774-1868 ext. 17 or visit our website: highelevationgardening.arizona.edu.