Family: Santalaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 1023 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Viscum
Vegetable: False
Observations: Europe to Lebanon and Nepal, NE. Algeria
Description
Mistletoe, scientifically known as Viscum album, is a fascinating plant with a rich history and extensive geographical presence. First described by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his work “Species Plantarum” published in 1753, mistletoe is a prominent species within the Santalaceae family.
This evergreen plant is remarkable for its hemiparasitic lifestyle, meaning it relies partially on other plants for survival. Mistletoe attaches itself to the branches of host trees, from which it draws water and essential nutrients while still performing photosynthesis to some extent. Its predominantly green leaves, small yellowish flowers, and distinctive white berries make it easily recognizable.
The geographical range of Viscum album is quite extensive. It can be found throughout Europe, extending into Lebanon, Nepal, and reaching parts of northeastern Algeria. This wide distribution highlights its adaptability to various climates and environments.
Mistletoe holds a significant place in folklore and traditions, particularly around the winter holiday season. It is often associated with mythological and cultural rituals, particularly the practice of kissing underneath a sprig of mistletoe during Christmas, a custom that traces back to ancient Druidic traditions and Norse mythology.
Apart from its cultural relevance, mistletoe has also been studied for its potential medicinal properties. Various cultures have utilized extracts from the plant for traditional remedies, and modern research continues to explore its possible benefits in treating certain health conditions.
Overall, Viscum album is not just a plant but a symbol interwoven with history, culture, and science, illustrating the intricate connections between nature and human society.
Common Names
Dan: almindelig mistelten, mistelten, fugleliim
Eng: european mistletoe, mistletoe
Deu: laubholz-mistel, mistel
Lav: baltais amulis
Nor: fugleliim
Fra: gui, gui des feuillus
Nld: maretak
Swe: mistel
Nob: misteltein
Nno: misteltein
Cym: darllys awelfar, gwysglys gwysonllys, heonllys, holliach, pren-awyr, uchelawr, uchelawyr, uchelfa, uchelfar, uchelog, uchelwydd
En: Mistletoe, European mistletoe, Druid’s Herb, Masslinn
Ar: دبق أبيض
An: Vesque
Hy: Ճագում սպիտակ
Az: Ağ öksəotu
Eu: Mihura
Be: Амяла белая
Bg: Имел
Ca: Vesc, Visc, Visquera
Zh: 槲寄生
Kw: Ughelvar
Co: Vischju
Cs: Jmelí bílé
Da: Almindelig Mistelten, Mistelten, Fugleliim
Nl: Maretak, Mistel, Vogellijm
Eo: Blanka visko
Et: Harilik puuvõõrik
Fi: Misteli, Euroopanmisteli
Fr: Gui, Gui des feuillus
Gl: Visgo
Ka: Თეთრი ფითრი
De: Mistel, Laubholz-Mistel, Weißbeerige Mistel, Affolter, Donnerbesen, Heiliges-Kreuzholz, Künst
El: Ιξός
Hu: Fehér fagyöngy
Is: Mistilteinn
It: Vischio, Vischio comune
Ko: 겨우살이
Lv: Baltais āmulis, Baltais amulis
Li: Haamsjeut
Lt: Paprastasis amalas
Mk: Бела имела
No: Misteltein, Fugleliim
Nb: Misteltein
Nn: Misteltein
Fa: داروش اروپایی
Pl: Jemioła biała, Jemioła pospolita
Pt: Visco
Ro: Vâsc european
Ru: Омела белая
Sr: Имела
Sk: Imelo biele
Es: Muérdago, Bela omela, Muérdago blanco, Visca, Viscol
Sv: Mistel
Zh-tw: 槲寄生
Zh-hant: 槲寄生
Tr: Ökse otu
Uk: Омела біла
Vi: Cây tầm gửi Châu Âu
Cy: Uchelwydd, Darllys Awelfar, Gwysglys Gwysonllys, Heonllys, Holliach, Pren-Awyr, Uchelawr, Uchelawyr, Uchelfa, Uchelfar, Uchelog
Fy: Mistel
Synonyms
- Stelin album ((L.) Bubani)
Distribution
- Albania (native)
- Algeria (native)
- Austria (native)
- Baleares (native)
- Baltic States (native)
- Belarus (native)
- Belgium (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- Central European Rus (native)
- China South-Central (native)
- Corse (native)
- Czechoslovakia (native)
- Denmark (native)
- East European Russia (native)
- East Himalaya (native)
- France (native)
- Germany (native)
- Great Britain (native)
- Greece (native)
- Hungary (native)
- Iran (native)
- Italy (native)
- Kriti (native)
- Krym (native)
- Lebanon-Syria (native)
- Morocco (native)
- Myanmar (native)
- Nepal (native)
- Netherlands (native)
- North Caucasus (native)
- Northwest European R (native)
- Norway (native)
- Pakistan (native)
- Poland (native)
- Portugal (native)
- Romania (native)
- Sicilia (native)
- South European Russi (native)
- Spain (native)
- Sweden (native)
- Switzerland (native)
- Tibet (native)
- Transcaucasus (native)
- Turkey (native)
- Turkey-in-Europe (native)
- Ukraine (native)
- Vietnam (native)
- West Himalaya (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
- British Columbia (introduced)
- California (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Dec 19, 2021 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 6, 2021 by Miguel A. C. (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 5, 2022 by Jim Knopf (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 25, 2021 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 15, 2022 by Jim Knopf (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jan 25, 2022 by Jim Knopf (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 10, 2021 by jacques maréchal (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 17, 2021 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 17, 2021 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 15, 2022 by Jim Knopf (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jan 8, 2022 by Sinan Avcı (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 6, 2021 by Miguel A. C. (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 8, 2021 by TYR TYR (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 16, 2018 by Marcos Rivas Campoamor (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 17, 2021 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Mar 8, 2020 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 7, 2022 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 8, 2020 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 27, 2018 by Heinz Gass (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 11, 2021 by Jean-Marie Frenoux (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken May 17, 2022 by Waldemar Zeja (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 21, 2021 by John Thompson (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 7, 2018 by Marcos Rivas Campoamor (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 25, 2022 by Irmgard Groß (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 8, 2021 by TYR TYR (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Apr 16, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 12, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 16, 2020 by Kerstin Kerstin (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 29, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 6, 2022 by David Ochoa (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2889828)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:300881-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Viscum album L.)
Specifications
Growth habit: Subshrub, Shrub
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.5
Ph minimum: 7.0
Light: 7
Atmospheric humidity: 6
Soil nutriments: 5