Other common names include American, hairy and oak mistletoe. The plants have green stems with thick oval-shaped leaves. Clumps of mistletoe can often reach diameters of two feet or more.

But, botanically speaking, that’s what mistletoe is. There are some 1,300 species of this evergreen plant worldwide. They’re ...

Library of Congress Some plants are so entwined with tradition that it’s impossible to think of one without the other. Mistletoe is such a plant. But set aside the kissing custom and you’ll ...

For many people, Christmas is a time for decorating trees, hanging up wreaths and kissing under the mistletoe. But have you ever wondered where these botanical traditions come from? 'Tis the season ...

Parasites that cannot survive without a host are known as obligate, while facultative parasites can live and reproduce without a host plant. While mistletoe may be commonly associated with Christmas ...

Mistletoe is believed to be a symbol of life ... This seems really romantic, until you learn what the word means. The plant gets its name from the Old English words mistel, meaning dung, and ...

Library of Congress Some plants are so entwined with tradition that it’s impossible to think of one without the other. Mistletoe is such a plant. But set aside the kissing custom and you’ll ...