Best time to see: all year
Key facts
A parasite on trees, mainly apples, limes and poplars, with a woody stem and sticky white berries
Most obvious as a yellowish ball in trees in autumn after they have lost their leaves
The berries are poisonous in large doses, but the plant is used by herbalists to treat a number of disorders
Extras
The tradition of kissing under the mistletoe may have derived from druidic rites or the belief that it increased fertility
- Main photo
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Photo © Tony Gunton