There are hundreds of species of mistletoes around the world, and they grow on the branches of many different types of host trees. Both true mistletoes (genus Phoradendron) and dwarf mistletoes (genus Arceuthobium) are found in North America. True mistletoes affect mainly deciduous trees, although some species grow on conifers, while dwarf mistletoes affect only conifers. The European mistletoe (Viscum album), another true mistletoe, has been introduced to North America and lives on deciduous trees.

Mistletoe does grow on trees such as ash and lime, but it tends to grow high in the upper twigs of these species, making commercial gatherings very difficult, if not impossible. Apple trees work well though. So help conserve your older apple orchards by growing mistletoe on them. This will encourage managed conservation of both species. Thus the tradition of mistletoe and Christmas may continue for many years to come.

Epiphytic organisms usually derive only physical support and not nutrition from their host, though they may sometimes damage the host. Parasitic and semiparasitic plants growing on other plants (mistletoe is well known) are not “true” epiphytes (a designation usually given to fully autotrophic epiphytes), but are still epiphytic in habit. A host plant and a mistletoe may survive together for many years.

Most people consider mistletoe to be a pest, except perhaps at Christmas when the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe is enjoyed. Mistletoe has had a reputation as a magical and mystical plant since ancient times. The tradition of kissing someone under a mistletoe at a winter festival seems to be a very old one. Its origin is uncertain, although there are many theories that attempt to explain it.

We are not sure how good old Saint Nick got proposed to Mrs. Claus, but we can be sure that the jolly old man hangs a piece of mistletoe in his home in the North Pole. Come to think of it, he probably also hangs a bunch of mistletoe in the reindeer barn, the toy factory, and anywhere else Mrs. Claus might find herself!