Viscum album

Used at Christmas to develop a community spirit. This is a semi-parasitic plant, shrubby in character. It grows on trees, having been delivered by birds or optimistic humans. Naturally distributed the sticky fruits cannot be swallowed by birds. The bird therefore cleans its beak on (hopefully), the receptive bark of a tree. The plant draws water and nourishment from the host plant. It forms an untidy but attractive clump of smooth-looking yellow-green leaves with rounded ends, growing on green stems. The small white berries are held in clusters and are a feature in winter. There are in fact distinct subspecies which favour specific tree types. The forms like Pines and larches, Abies forms, and Broadleaf trees. The plants have some toxins and these are effected by the host plant - walnut, lime, false acacia and maple increasing the toxicity. It has a long interaction with people, was sacred to the druids and has medical uses in treating blood pressure, cancers and circulation difficulties. It is inadvisable to ingest these fruits, the effects are purgative and can cause convulsions, though are unlikely to be fatal.