Mistletoe is best known for its role in holiday festivities, as seen on this Christmas card from 1886, and it features in ancient lore of many cultures, whether Celtic druids or Scandinavian gods.

A parasitic plant with potentially poisonous berries might not sound like something that would boost your Christmas decorations to the next level. But, botanically speaking, that’s what mistletoe is.

Mistletoe infestation was not linked to negative health outcomes for the trees the festive favorite was parasitizing.

Mistletoe has many mythic associations, but the most popular by far is the Christmas tradition of compelling people to kiss under it. With white, red, or pink berries, and its romantic associations, ...

Atlas Obscura on Slate is a blog about the world’s hidden wonders. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter. The mistletoe plant is largely known for a manufactured characteristic: It’s the green ...

Mistletoe's ability to stay green through harsh, cold weather has made it a symbol of holiday romance for centuries. But it ...

When you’re rocking around the Christmas tree looking for the mistletoe, did you know the best spot for a holiday kiss is under a parasitic plant named after poop? Mistletoe might be a merry moocher ...

It's long been known as a romantic symbol of Christmas, but the reality is that mistletoe has a darker side to it. For one, it can be poisonous for humans. And what's more, if you find that it's ...

Some plants are so entwined with tradition that it’s impossible to think of one without the other. Mistletoe is such a plant. But set aside the kissing custom and you’ll find a hundred and one reasons ...

According to the the N.C. Cooperative Extension, the state's coastal plain is a hotbed for mistletoe. The plant, which is ...

Pucker up, it’s time to hang your mistletoe! One of my favorite tales about mistletoe comes from Norse mythology, which started with ...