A Norse myth is believed to be the origin of mistletoe's link to kissing. According to the myth, an arrow made from mistletoe killed Balder, the son of Frigga, the goddess of love and beauty. The other gods resurrected Balder, and Frigga's tears of joy formed the white berries seen on the common European mistletoe species, Viscum album. Legend says that the berries represent kisses bestowed by Frigga to people that meet under the mistletoe. Some say that a berry should be removed from the mistletoe for each kiss, and that the mistletoe loses its "power" once all the berries are removed.

What is mistletoe?

Mistletoe is an obligate parasite, meaning it cannot live without its host plant, but it is also considered a hemi-parasite ("half-parasite"). For mistletoe, this means it absorbs only water and materials dissolved in water carried through the host plant. Mistletoe carries out photosynthesis to produce its own food sources, just like any other green plant. The range of possible host plants depends on each mistletoe species. Some have very broad host ranges, others very narrow.

Is mistletoe poisonous?

Mistletoe may be poisonous, but at various times. We strongly advise on keeping all mistletoe away from children and pets!

Click her to view mistletoe for weddings, corporate / business gifts, and fundraisers!