Hanging a mistletoe is a well-recognized winter tradition, and can be both romantic and fun. The rule of the tradition is to pluck a berry after each kiss, until the sprig is bare. When all the berries have been taken, the privilege to kiss under the mistletoe has passed.
Be warned, mistletoe contains a toxic protein called phoratoxin. Mistletoe poisoning symptoms can include gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and vomiting. Please don’t eat it, the outcome is not fun!
Desert Mistletoe
There are about 900 types of mistletoe species. The desert mistletoe, or mesquite mistletoe plant, is found in the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts and is partially parasitic. The desert mistletoe plant is toxic, but the fruit is the only mistletoe fruit that is edible and palatable by humans. Many Native communities ate the fruits of mistletoes raw, but only the ones growing on mesquite, ironwood or catclaw acacia.
Desert mistletoe is a keeper! It provides cover for nesting birds. Supports caterpillars, butterflies, moths and other insects. Overall, it’s a needed resource to our Sonoran fauna at the end of the year, and it benefits many species.
Should we try to eat berries? Maybe not. Steal a kiss this holiday season? Absolutely!
