Are Mistletoe & Holly the Same?

About Mistletoe

• Mistletoe has soft green leaves and creamy white berries. The berries are attractive to birds, which eat them and then deposit the sticky seeds in trees. It is there that the seeds sprout and work their way into the host tree, stealing water and nutrients. Mistletoe has thin, leathery, yellowish-green leaves that do contain chlorophyll, which is why the plant is classified as semi-parasitic: It makes its own food but also steals from the host tree. Historically, mistletoe has been used to deck the halls of homes during the holidays. Tradition states that any woman caught standing under a sprig of mistletoe can be kissed.

Mistletoe Culture

• Most people don't cultivate mistletoe. Although you can manually place one of the sticky seeds onto a tree branch, it's better to leave mistletoe alone. All parts of the plant are highly toxic, and people have been known to die from eating the berries. If you use mistletoe in holiday decor, place it well out of reach of any children or pets. Mistletoe is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 through 11.

About Holly

• Hollies are known for their ease of care, versatility and striking foliage and berries. They can be grown as large trees, shrubs or hedges; many have spiny leaves that effectively keep out intruders. Hollies that produce red berries are often used in holiday decorating. American holly (Ilex opaca) produces the distinctive, glossy-green, spiny leaves and large red berries often used in holly wreaths and other holiday decorations. American holly grows to a maximum height of about 50 feet and forms a neat, pyramidal shape. It is a popular ornamental tree and has over 1,000 named cultivars.

Holly Culture

• American holly thrives in USDA zones 5 through 9. It grows best in rich, well-draining soil and in full sun or partial shade. Drought-tolerant and almost pest-free, this hardy tree needs little to no pruning and adapts to most conditions, although it prefers to be sheltered from cold winds. Male and female trees must be planted near each other -- within 200 feet -- for the female tree to produce the attractive, bright red berries.