There is something mysterious about mistletoe. This applies to both their appearance and the mythology. It hangs in the treetops like an oversized bird's nest and was cut by druids on a full moon night with a golden sickle.
The deciduous mistletoe bears white berries
Are mistletoe berries poisonous?
In contrast to the other parts of the plant, the mistletoe berries are not considered poisonous. However, they are not suitable for consumption. The fruits, which are about one centimeter in size, ripen in Advent. In the case of the species most widespread in Central Europe, the deciduous mistletoe, these berries are white.
Why are the berries so sticky?
As a semi-parasite, mistletoe grows on trees without killing them. However, since they draw water and nutrients from the tree, the host trees grow more slowly than those without mistletoe. Somehow these shrub-like plants have to get on the trees, mostly birds are responsible for this, which eat the berries. They ensure that the mistletoe multiplies and spreads.
Mistletoe berries contain indigestible seeds that are coated in sticky, chewy pulp. After the seeds have left the birds' digestive tract, they get caught in the branches of the host tree and germinate there. Some birds only eat the outside of the berries and "stick" the seeds to a branch themselves by cleaning their beaks.
Which Birds Eat Mistletoe Berries?
The mistle thrush got its name because it eats these mistletoe berries. But it is not the only "broadening bird". The waxwing, which occasionally visits in winter, also likes these unusual fruits. The inconspicuous blackcap, on the other hand, only eats the outer part of the berries and spurns the seeds.
The essentials in brief:
- Berries non-toxic, but not suitable for consumption
- are eaten by some birds
- contain indigestible seeds and sticky pulp
- are mostly white
- Diameter about 1 cm
tips
The berries get stuck in the throat when eaten, which can be very unpleasant. Therefore, be careful that small children do not put them in their mouths.