Species Name: Mistletoe - Viscum album

How to recognise

Mistletoe is an evergreen. The narrow, leathery leaves are sickle-shaped and, like the branching stems, are greenish-yellow in colour. Between December and February white, semi-transparent, sticky berries adorn the female plants.

Where to see

Mistletoe forms rounded clumps often high in a tree canopy. Most records in Norfolk are of mistletoe growing on lime trees, but it has also been recorded on poplar, apple, almond, hawthorn, field maple and willow.

When to see

It is easiest to spot mistletoe between November and March when there are no leaves on the trees.

Conservation status in Norfolk

Mistletoe is not common in Norfolk. It appears less common now than in the past and may be adversely affected by climate change.

How to help

Grow your own mistletoe – berries gathered in February are more likely to germinate than those taken at Christmas. Squeeze the mistletoe berry and extract the seed along with some of the sticky juice. Seeds can then be smeared onto the young branch of your chosen tree. Apple trees make ideal hosts.

Did you know?

The scientific name of the mistle thrush, viscivora, is taken from viscum meaning mistletoe and vora meaning devour.

Finding out more

Norfolk Wildlife Trust mistletoe survey

The Mistletoe Pages

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