Contents
Description
Viscum Album Subsp. Album, commonly known as European Mistletoe, is a unique species of plant that is native to Europe and Western Asia. It is a parasitic plant that grows on the branches of trees and shrubs, feeding off their nutrients through specialized structures called haustoria. The plant has waxy, green leaves that are oval-shaped and grow in pairs opposite each other. It produces small, yellowish-green flowers in spring, which develop into clusters of white berries in autumn.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Santalales |
| Family | Santalaceae |
| Genus | Viscum |
Appearance
European Mistletoe is an evergreen plant that can grow up to 1 meter in length. Its leaves are waxy, dark green, and oval-shaped, growing in pairs opposite each other along the stem. The plant produces small, yellowish-green flowers in spring, which develop into clusters of white berries in autumn. The berries are sticky and contain one or two seeds each.
Care Guide
European Mistletoe is a parasitic plant that does not require a lot of care once it has attached itself to a host tree or shrub. However, if you are growing it indoors or in a garden, here are some care tips:
- Water: Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: European Mistletoe does not require fertilization.
- Soil: Use well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade or filtered sunlight.
- Hardiness Zones: European Mistletoe is hardy in USDA zones 6-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
European Mistletoe is not commonly affected by pests or diseases. However, it can be susceptible to aphids and spider mites, which can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant may also be affected by powdery mildew, which can be treated with a fungicide.
Habitat
European Mistletoe is native to Europe and Western Asia, where it grows on the branches of deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs. It prefers moist, well-draining soil and partial shade or filtered sunlight.
Question and Answer
Q: Is European Mistletoe poisonous?
A: Yes, the plant is poisonous to humans and animals if ingested.
Q: Can European Mistletoe grow on any type of tree?
A: No, the plant prefers certain host trees such as apple, hawthorn, and oak.
Q: How can I propagate European Mistletoe?
A: The plant can be propagated by cutting a stem with berries and pressing it into the bark of a host tree or shrub.
Q: Can I grow European Mistletoe indoors?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown indoors as long as it is attached to a host tree or shrub.
Related Plants
- Viscum Cruciatum
- Viscum Kotschyanum
- Viscum Orientalis
References
- “Viscum album subsp. album.” GBIF. Accessed 21 June 2021. https://www.gbif.org/species/2704826
- “Viscum album.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 21 June 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a391
- “Viscum album.” Plants for a Future. Accessed 21 June 2021. https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Viscum+album
