Mistletoe (Viscum album)

Family: Viscaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Viscum album is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in leaf all year, in flower from February to April, and the seeds ripen from November to December. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). .

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

The ripe fruit is edible. Some caution is advised, see notes above on toxicity. — The ripe fruit is edible.; Some caution is advised, see notes above on toxicity.

Habitat & North American Range

Grows on the branches of many trees, especially poplars, apples, chestnut and birch and especially on calcareous soils. Not usually found on conifers. (Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)