Mistletoe is more than a festive decoration that helps with holiday matchmaking; it has a rich history and distinctive growing habits. Known for its evergreen leaves and white berries, this stunning ...

Mistletoes evolved the ability to grow not on the roots of trees, but instead on their branches. Frankie Angel / Alamy Baldur, grandson of the Norse god Thor, woke up one morning certain that each and ...

Stealing a smooch under the mistletoe is a time-honored holiday tradition — but the word itself has an origin that invokes the exact opposite of romance. As part of NPR's "Word of the Week" series, we ...

While waiting under the mistletoe for that kiss, you might look up and think about the other important functions of mistletoe. Ira Flatow, host of Science Friday, discusses mistletoe's non-holiday ...

For many people, mistletoe is a pest, while for others, it is a symbol of Christmas cheer. The origin of mistletoe as a Yuletide symbol came from the Norse and the Druids. Both had traditions that ...

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.

The etymology of mistletoe — a plant with small, oval evergreen leaves and waxy white berries — may strike some as repugnant. From bird droppings to holiday kisses: How we ended up under the mistletoe ...

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