Water
As a hemiparasite, Viscum album absorbs water from its host tree. Supplemental watering is generally not needed and can be detrimental.
Also known as Common Mistletoe · Druid's Herb · Imela
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Viscum album, European Mistletoe, is a semi-parasitic plant growing on trees, featuring white berries and green leaves year-round. Associated with winter traditions.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Prefers full sun to partial shade.
70% intensity
Dependent on host tree's light exposure.
Minimal watering required; absorbs from host tree.
10% intensity
Avoid overwatering.
Does not require soil; it is a hemiparasite that attaches to host trees.
50% intensity
Grows best in cool to moderate temperatures.
60% intensity
Ideal range 10-20 °C.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Does not require direct fertilization; obtains nutrients from host tree.
0% intensity
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 3/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 4/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Berries and leaves are mildly toxic to pets and humans if ingested, causing gastrointestinal upset and other symptoms.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
As a hemiparasite, Viscum album absorbs water from its host tree. Supplemental watering is generally not needed and can be detrimental.
Pruning is primarily done for harvesting or to manage growth on the host tree. Remove branches cleanly at the point of attachment to the host. Avoid excessive pruning that could damage the host.
Propagation is difficult and typically involves manually transferring seeds to a suitable host tree. Seeds are sticky and can be rubbed onto bark. Germination is slow and requires specific conditions.
Not applicable as Viscum album is a parasitic plant that grows on trees and does not have a root system in soil.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of European Mistletoe (Viscum album)
Where European Mistletoe (Viscum album) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Santalales |
| Family | Santalaceae |
| Genus | Viscum |
| Species | Viscum album |
Similar in genus Viscum
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
