The holly and mistletoe plants are often confused around the holidays, but there are some key differences between them.
Where Holly and Mistletoe Are Typically Found
If you’re trying to find the difference between holly and mistletoe, look no further than where they grow. Holly typically grows on trees as dense bushes, while mistletoe is often found higher up, attached directly to tree branches.
Holly bushes have dark green, spiny leaves and bright red berries that birds love to eat. The berries may look tempting, but they can be poisonous to humans, so don’t eat them! Holly grows on its own roots in soil at the base of trees, unlike mistletoe which is parasitic.
Mistletoe, on the other hand, has soft, oval leaves and translucent white berries. It attaches itself to tree branches, absorbing water and nutrients from the tree. You’ll find mistletoe growing on deciduous trees like oak, maple and ash, especially in the upper branches.
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The next time you’re walking through the woods or your neighbourhood, look up and around. Do you see dense, spiny bushes growing around the base of trees, with red berries peeking through? Or do you spot green, leafy masses attached directly to treetops, with white berries? Whether it’s holly or mistletoe, they’re both festive symbols of winter and the season of giving.
The Cultural Significance and Practical Applications of Holly vs. Mistletoe
The cultural significance and uses of holly and mistletoe are quite different.
Holly is strongly associated with Christmas and winter festivities. Its bright red berries and spiny, evergreen leaves are used in wreaths, garlands, and other decorations to convey a feeling of warmth in the cold season. The Druids regarded holly as a sacred plant, believing it had magical powers that could ward off evil spirits during winter solstice celebrations.
In contrast, mistletoe has pagan origins and was used by the Druids in winter solstice rituals. They believed it promoted fertility, health and good luck. Today, mistletoe is commonly hung during Christmas time and used as an excuse for playful kissing under its leafy boughs.
While holly and mistletoe share a place in winter holiday traditions, they have very different practical uses: Hollywood is dense, hard and resistant to water, so it’s often used to make walking sticks, chess pieces, and tool handles. The leaves and berries can be used to make medicinal teas and tinctures.
Mistletoe, on the other hand, is a parasitic plant with white, sticky berries. The plant and berries are toxic to humans, so mistletoe is rarely used for any practical purpose. Some studies show mistletoe extracts may have anticancer effects, but more research is needed.
Whether for cultural traditions or practical uses, holly and mistletoe have enduring appeal. During the winter holidays, these festive plants conjure feelings of warmth, joy and goodwill.
Holly Vs Mistletoe
Holly
- Holly grows on trees, shrubs or as a standalone plant.
- Holly grows its own roots in the ground.
- Holly leaves are stiff, spiny and oval-shaped.
- Holly produces red berries. The holly berry is poisonous to humans if ingested.
- Holly flowers contain both male and female parts.
Mistletoe
- Mistletoe is parasitic, growing on tree branches.
- Mistletoe attaches itself to host trees, absorbing water and nutrients from the tree.
- Mistletoe leaves are smooth, oval and paired. Mistletoe leaves grow in pairs along the stem.
- Mistletoe berries are white or pink. The mistletoe berry is also toxic in large amounts.
- Mistletoe flowers are dioecious, meaning male and female flowers grow on separate plants.
In summary, while these two plants are frequently linked together during the holidays, holly and mistletoe actually have quite a few differences when you examine them closely. But no matter the differences, they both evoke the festive spirit of the season.
