Gardening 101: Mistletoe - Gardenista

Gardening 101: Mistletoe - Gardenista

It hardly bears repeating that mistletoe reminds us of Christmas and kissing. If only it would counteract the effects of too much fruitcake and mulled wine.

Mistletoe; Viscum album: The Endless Embrace

Photograph by Mimi Giboin for Gardenista.

Branches of fresh mistletoe berries gathered in northern California.

Cheat Sheet

Photograph by Maggie McCain via Flickr.

Mistletoe in the wild.

Mistletoe might have an easier time establishing itself if you notch the branch or scrape away a small piece of bark on the host tree.

Keep It Alive

Balls of mistletoe in ancient beech trees at Burghley House near Stamford, Lincolnshire, in the UK.

Photograph by Kendra Wilson.

Photograph by Stanze via Flickr.

Mistletoe berries.

Though we are used to seeing mistletoe clippings hung indoors, it is perfectly easy to grow in your backyard. For more, see Holiday Aphrodisiac: Why Mistletoe is Welcome at Parties.

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